Labour Party Recognises Otti as National Leader Following INEC’s Statement and Obi’s Defection

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL WORKING
COMMITTEE (NWC) MEETING OF THE LABOUR PARTY HELD ON
WEDNESDAY, 7TH JANUARY 2026

1.0 Introduction

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party held its NWC meeting on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, to deliberate on key issues affecting the stability, growth, and strategic direction of the Party.

The meeting was convened in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Party Constitution 2019 (as amended), at a time of heightened political engagement across the country, ahead of the Party’s congresses and the forthcoming National Convention. The meeting was chaired by the National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and was attended by members of the National Working Committee.

2.0 Deliberations

The National Working Committee engaged in robust, candid, and far-reaching deliberations across all key governance areas. The Committee carefully assessed and reviewed the state of the Party following recent political developments and organisational activities.

These deliberations included field reports from the ongoing nationwide membership revalidation and registration exercise; preparations for the forthcoming congresses and National Convention of the Party; and events trailing the recent exit of the Party’s former presidential candidate, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi.

The NWC also considered other recent political developments, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) press release of 7th January 2026, which reaffirmed the Supreme Court judgment of 4th April 2025 that sacked Mr Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party.

3.0 Resolutions

Following exhaustive deliberations, the National Working Committee resolved as follows:

1. The National leadership of the Labour Party wishes His Excellency Mr Peter Obi well in his future political endeavours and in his new political party.

2. The NWC reaffirmed that the Labour Party remains united, indivisible, indissoluble and steadfast in its mission to build a Nigeria founded on equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance. Accordingly, as the Party continues to monitor political developments across the country, the Labour Party remains a strong and viable political force and shall continue to operate as an independent, ideologically driven political organisation.

3. The NWC, in a unanimous decision, affirmed its recognition of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, as the National Leader of the Labour Party.

4. The NWC received the INEC press release of 7th January 2026 with relief and a sense of institutional clarity, noting that the release merely reaffirms the Supreme Court judgment of 4th April 2025, which held that the tenure of Mr Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party had elapsed.

The National Leadership of the Labour Party therefore urges INEC, in line with its press release and subsisting court judgments, to accord Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha all rights, recognition, and privileges attached to the office of National Chairman and National Secretary of the Labour Party, in strict compliance with the rule of law and the Supreme Court judgment referenced by INEC.

5. The NWC expressed deep appreciation to Party members and Nigerians for their continued interest in, and confidence reposed in, the Labour Party. The Party urges Nigerians to continue to participate in the ongoing membership revalidation and registration exercise to enable the Party achieve its target of a 10-million-strong membership base nationwide.

6. The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall hold accordingly, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution. Members at all levels are therefore encouraged to actively participate in the congress processes. The Labour Party leadership remains committed to ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive congresses.

7. The NWC noted the recent expressions of interest by certain individuals to contest elective positions under the platform of the Labour Party. The party observed that this growing interest reflects the increasing confidence Nigerians have in the Party.

Issued by:
Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha
National Secretary, Labour Party
National Secretariat, Labour Party

Dated: 7th January 2026