Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has welcomed Wednesday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, describing the ruling as a turning point for the party.
Otti said the court decision would help restore stability, unity and internal harmony within the Labour Party.
In a congratulatory message to the National Caretaker Committee chaired by Usman, with Senator Darlington Nwokocha as secretary, as well as members of the committee and the wider party, the governor described the judgment as timely and reassuring, saying it marked the beginning of a fresh chapter for the party.
The governor, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, stated, “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, while ensuring reorganisation and rejuvenation of the party to become not just a truly democratic platform that meets the high expectations of its members, but a formidable political party poised to achieve electoral victories and deliver good governance at all levels.”
He urged the new party leadership to utilise the opportunity to reposition the Labour Party through inclusive and purposeful leadership rooted in justice, peace and unity, in line with the party’s constitution and guiding principles.
Otti also appealed to individuals behind what he described as “frivolous litigations” against the party to embrace reconciliation and respect the court’s verdict, noting that the ruling was consistent with an earlier Supreme Court judgment. He assured them of “forgiveness and proper reintegration” should they choose to comply with the law and work within the party framework.
The governor further expressed appreciation to the judiciary for delivering what he termed a “sound judgment” and thanked supporters of democracy for standing with the Labour Party during its internal challenges. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening democratic values and promoting peace and order in Nigeria.
Reacting separately, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Emmanuel Otti, also welcomed the judgment, describing it as a boost to public confidence in the judiciary.
According to him, “the judiciary has restored the trust people have in it.”
He dismissed the possibility of a successful appeal by the Julius Abure-led faction, insisting that the ruling would endure.
“They are just wasting their time,” he said.
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