Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Labour Party Will Not Join Any Coalition Ahead of 2027, Says Governor Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has stated that the Labour Party, LP, has no intention of joining any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Otti said the party already functions as a coalition, made up of Nigerian workers and citizens who share progressive ideals. He made the clarification while addressing journalists after the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held in Abuja on Saturday. According to the governor, discussions about the party aligning with other political groups are misplaced, as there are no such plans within the LP. “Labour is already a coalition. This is the coalition of Nigerian workers and people who are progressive like-minded. “So, I know when people talk about joining another coalition. We have no such plans,” he said. The NEC meeting was held just days after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja affirmed the removal of Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman. In its ruling, the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party. Confirming the development, Governor Otti said INEC had complied with the court order by removing Abure’s name from its official website and replacing it with that of Mrs Usman. However, Julius Abure has rejected the judgment, describing it as unacceptable. He has also indicated his intention to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal in a bid to seek redress.

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Orji Kalu, Theodore Orji Strategise On Reclaiming Abia Power From Alex Otti

Former Abia governors Orji Kalu and Theodore Orji held a strategic meeting in Umuahia on Friday aimed at consolidating political influence and challenging Governor Alex Otti. The gathering brought together political figures who served the state between 2009 and 2023, with Kalu describing it as an effort to form a united front. The Abia North senator proposed expanding the group, known as “The Team,” to include all former political officeholders from that period. He stressed that the group had played a significant role in Abia’s development and should not be dismissed. “Leadership is a relay race. I finished and handed over to Senator T. A. Orji, and he finished and handed over to Okezie Ikpeazu,” Kalu said. “So one person cannot say we did nothing or that we are irrelevant. Our main purpose is that one person must go down in 2027.” Kalu urged members to remain committed, noting that the platform is bipartisan and open to allies across party lines. A highlight of the meeting was a motion by Chinedum Orji, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, calling for the group to be expanded to include all former political officeholders, including national assembly members, who served between 2009 and 2023. The motion was unanimously approved. Earlier this week, Kalu also criticized Otti, saying the governor “overrates himself politically” and would require the support of key stakeholders to secure victory. The remarks followed Otti’s statement that he would support the Labour Party candidate in Abia North to challenge Kalu in the 2027 election.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Labour Party Recognises Alex Otti As National Leader

The Labour Party (LP) has formally recognised Abia State Governor Alex Otti as its national leader while extending goodwill to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The decision was announced in a communiqué issued by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on Wednesday to address issues concerning the party’s stability, growth, and strategic direction. According to the communiqué, the NWC unanimously endorsed Governor Otti as the national leader of the party. It also expressed best wishes to Peter Obi, stating that the Labour Party’s leadership wishes him success in his future political pursuits and in his new party. The NWC further recognised former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s national chairman. The party explained that this position is consistent with the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as national chairman had expired. The Labour Party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Nenadi Usman and the National Secretary, Nwokocha, full recognition in line with the court ruling already acknowledged by the electoral body. It also reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the party would be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of its constitution, encouraging members at all levels to participate actively. The party thanked its members and Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that the Labour Party remains united and committed to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance. The Labour Party placed third in the 2023 presidential election, with Peter Obi as its flagbearer.

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Abia Governor Alex Otti Says He Will Remain In Labour Party Despite Peter Obi’s Departure

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that he will remain in the Labour Party, even as presidential candidate Peter Obi prepares to leave the party. Otti made the announcement on Tuesday during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, the state capital. He said that while he gave Obi his blessings to exit, he is committed to helping rebuild the party that brought him to power. “If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him,” Otti explained. “He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I will continue the struggle to rescue it. If we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options. For now, I am not defecting to any party.” Otti also responded to calls from Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the All Progressives Congress, saying he would not be distracted. “Ordinarily, I would not respond to matters like that. However, those of you who listened to my Christmas message will recall that I called on our people to support the less privileged, particularly persons with disabilities. Seeing that he heeded the call and assisted vulnerable people, I thank him for that,” he said. He added that he has chosen not to be provoked by such calls, citing Winston Churchill: “‘You will never get to your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks.’ We will remain focused on our job.”

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Alex Otti Says I’ll Retire From Politics After Governorship, Denies Any Future Ambitions

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure, insisting he has no plans to pursue the presidency, vice-presidency, or a senatorial seat. Otti made the clarification on Friday at the Government House in Umuahia while responding to a viral video criticizing his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. Some viewers suggested the visit was motivated by political ambitions. The governor emphasized that differing opinions are part of democracy, but holding a contrary view does not make it correct. “I have said it before, and I want to say it again: by the time I finish my term as governor, I will retire. I do not have presidential, vice-presidential, or senatorial ambitions,” he said, adding that he plans to hand over to younger leaders once his mission is accomplished. Otti also explained the purpose of his visit to Kanu, stressing it was part of a long-standing effort to engage on issues concerning the detained Biafra leader. “Going to see him is the right thing to do because he comes from my state, Umuahia North. Ignoring a problem does not solve it,” he said, noting that two wrongs do not make a right. He further clarified that his actions were humanitarian, not political. “I am not a supporter of the disintegration of Nigeria. It would be insensitive to ignore opportunities to discuss, negotiate, and pursue peace, even for someone convicted,” Otti said. The governor also highlighted the importance of knowing when to step down from office, saying, “When you have fulfilled your mandate, you must take the exit door and give way to others. Returning to lesser political roles after serving as governor is not what we are here for.”

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President Tinubu Holds Meeting With Abia Governor Alex Otti Over Nnamdi Kanu Release

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a meeting reportedly linked to ongoing efforts to secure the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, has since become the focus of protests and advocacy for his release. Governor Otti’s visit comes after he met Kanu at the Sokoto prison, where the IPOB leader is serving his sentence. He was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN; and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Following the prison visit, Otti reaffirmed the state’s commitment to pursuing all lawful measures to secure Kanu’s freedom. “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m pleased to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to pursue, the agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” he stated. Tuesday’s meeting with President Tinubu is seen as part of a coordinated political and legal effort to explore possible solutions at the federal level. Details of the discussions between Tinubu and Otti have not yet been made public.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Abia Governor Alex Otti’s aides came under attack by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State’s capital. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, just a few kilometres from Sam Mbakwe Airport, as the vehicle carrying three officials—part of an advance team—was reportedly targeted by fleeing gunmen. Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed the attack, noting that Governor Otti was not involved. “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport junction in Imo State,” the statement read. Ukoha added that there were no casualties and that the governor’s convoy remained unaffected.

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Alex Otti Visits Nnamdi Kanu In Sokoto, Assures Continued Efforts For His Release

Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Sunday paid a visit to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, assuring him that efforts to secure his release remain active. Governor Otti was joined by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Officials from the Sokoto State Government were also present. Speaking after the visit, Ekeoma said Otti encouraged Kanu to stay strong, noting that the governor had intensified initiatives he began more than two years ago. Otti expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved administratively, and that Kanu would soon regain his freedom. The governor also informed Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, had expressed support for a peaceful resolution. Otti recounted that the Sultan jokingly referred to Kanu as his “subject” and hinted at turbaning him, a remark that made Kanu laugh. Kanu, reportedly in good spirits, thanked Otti for the visit, commended the development projects in Abia State, and encouraged the governor to continue prioritising effective governance.

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