Labour Party Crisis: Otti Hails Court Ruling Recognising Usman-Led Committee

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has hailed Wednesday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as Chairman of the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee, describing the verdict as a step toward restoring peace, unity, and order within the party.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti congratulated Usman, Secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and members of the newly recognised committee.

“This victory is both heartwarming and timely as it provides us with the opportunity of ensuring that peace, order and unity return to the party,” Otti said.

He described the judgment as a “new dawn” for the Labour Party, expressing confidence that the decision would allow the party to reorganise and emerge stronger, capable of delivering good governance and winning elections at all levels.

Otti called on the new leadership to embrace inclusive and purposeful leadership, guided by the party’s constitution and core values of justice, unity, and peace.

“Let this be an opportunity to rejig the party and ensure leadership that is committed to peace, unity and justice,” he added.

He also urged aggrieved members behind what he called “frivolous litigations” to sheathe their swords, respect the court’s ruling, and return to the fold in good faith.

“We assure them of forgiveness and proper reintegration if they are willing to turn a new leaf and become law-abiding members,” the governor stated.

Governor Otti praised the judiciary for what he described as a sound judgment, noting that it aligns with an earlier Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.

“This judgment has once again shown that the judiciary remains a pillar of democracy,” he said, while assuring continued support for deepening democratic ideals and maintaining peace and order across the country.

Also reacting, Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Emmanuel Otti, commended the Abuja court ruling, describing it as a victory for justice.

“The judiciary has restored the trust people have in it,” he declared.

He criticised the faction led by Julius Abure, saying any attempt to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal would be futile.

“They are just wasting their time,” he said confidently, insisting the ruling “will stand the test of legal time.”