Otti: The Leadership And Conviction That Rescued The Labour Party

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

The political journey of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, formally began in 2014 when he stunned many Nigerians with his decision to exit a flourishing banking career. Having risen to the pinnacle of the financial sector as a Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Governor Otti resigned to confront and change the disturbing and chequered history of governance in his dear state, Abia. Without hesitation, he declared his intention to govern Abia State.

From the outset, Governor Otti demonstrated uncommon consistency, courage and conviction. In 2015 and again in 2019, his widely acknowledged electoral victories were brazenly manipulated, his mandates stolen and denied. He endured humiliation, vicious attacks and elaborate conspiracies, yet he refused to surrender.

This first class banker and economist did not succumb to sustained intimidation and coordinated gang ups by entrenched political interests, popularly referred to in Abia’s political lexicon as Ndi Apata Ukwu. Against all odds, he stood firm.

One crucial factor that emboldened Governor Otti throughout this arduous journey was the unwavering and unrelenting support of the Abia people. Like a people in biblical Egypt searching for a Joseph to deliver them, Abians found hope in him. At great personal sacrifice, and even at risk to his comfort and safety, Governor Otti presented himself as that instrument of rescue.

In 2023, Abians spoke in one voice. With the resounding chorus of “Enough is Enough,” their prayers were answered. Governor Alex Chioma Otti was elected and inaugurated as the 5th Executive Governor of Abia State under the platform of the Labour Party.

It is instructive to note that Governor Otti’s foray into the Labour Party was not driven by political convenience. Rather, he was led by faith and conviction into what was then considered an unpopular political platform. Coincidentally, and providentially, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, joined the same “Papa, Mama, Pikin” party barely a week after Governor Otti. From that moment, the Labour Party experienced an unprecedented political awakening.

The party blossomed, demonstrated extraordinary capacity and became a beautiful bride that attracted millions of Nigerians yearning for a new political order. Hope was rekindled across the nation.

However, amid this progress emerged a serious setback. The former national leadership of the party under Barrister Julius Abure pursued a different and retrogressive agenda. Rather than consolidate on the monumental gains of the 2023 elections, Abure and his cohorts deviated sharply, consumed by a selfish plot to perpetuate themselves in office. In the process, they aligned with external forces that sponsored them to undermine and destabilise their own party.

All genuine efforts by Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Otti and other well meaning leaders to reposition, strengthen and democratise the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections were stoutly resisted. For Abure, the party was to remain under his personal control, reduced to political merchandise.

Governor Otti, however, would have none of that. He made it unequivocally clear that the Labour Party would not be strangulated by selfish interests. Deploying his leadership sagacity, strategic thinking and moral authority, he moved decisively to rescue the party.

While rumours swirled and many predicted his exit from the Labour Party, Governor Otti displayed remarkable courage, intelligence, consistency and perseverance. He mobilised like minded leaders who rallied behind him in the collective effort to reclaim the party. The Interim National Executive Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman as Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary, worked with discipline, dexterity and focus, in close collaboration with Governor Otti and other leaders, as the battle shifted to the courts. For Governor Otti, it was either the right thing was done properly or not done at all.

While Abure enjoyed sponsorship from forces bent on destroying the Labour Party, Governor Otti remained steadfastly committed to due process and the rule of law. The Supreme Court eventually delivered a landmark judgment affirming the expiration of Abure’s tenure. Despite this, the Independent National Electoral Commission delayed in taking the necessary steps. Yet, Governor Otti consistently insisted on strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s clear and unambiguous pronouncement.

With the recent judgment of Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which merely confirmed and amplified the Supreme Court’s earlier decision, the Labour Party has finally been rescued. The leadership, courage and deep conviction of Governor Otti have once again paid off. His unwavering belief in the Labour Party as a viable platform capable of transforming Abia State and Nigeria has eloquently spoken through this victory.

Consequently, the Governor has continued to emphasise peace, unity and rebuilding of the party by all stakeholders. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Governor Otti described the victory as “both heartwarming and timely,” noting that it provides an opportunity to restore peace, order and unity within the party, while embarking on reorganisation and rejuvenation to build a truly democratic and formidable political platform capable of winning elections and delivering good governance at all levels.

He further charged the leadership of the party to see the victory as a call to rejig the party through purposeful and inclusive leadership anchored on peace, unity and justice, in line with the constitution and ideals of the Labour Party.

Governor Otti also called on those responsible for frivolous litigations against the party to sheath their swords and respect the judgment of the Federal High Court, which he noted aligns perfectly with the Supreme Court’s decision. He assured them of forgiveness and proper reintegration, provided they are willing to turn a new leaf and conduct themselves as law abiding members of the party.

Indeed, the rescue of the Labour Party stands as yet another testament to the leadership, courage and enduring conviction of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.