Fayose to Otti: Stay in Labour Party, Finish Strong for Abia People

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to remain loyal to the Labour Party (LP) despite the rising tide of defections shaking the party’s foundations. Fayose issued this advice on Sunday during a visit to Otti’s hometown in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, where he also toured several state development projects.

Speaking to journalists, Fayose praised Otti’s administration and urged him to resist any pressure to switch political allegiance. He noted that Otti had not only established himself as a transformative leader in Abia but also as a symbol of the Labour Party’s strength and resilience.

“My governor, don’t decamp; you are an institution here,” Fayose said. “We are talking about the diversity of Nigeria, a multi-party system. They will say Labour Party — even if everybody leaves, people don’t leave. Remain there. You are the national chairman.”

The advice comes in the wake of persistent rumours about Otti’s alleged plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—claims he firmly denied in April, calling them “false, baseless, and unfounded.” While Otti has remained silent on a potential re-election bid in 2027, he has stated he would consult God before making any final decisions.

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Amid Defections and Political Tensions, Fayose Urges Otti to Uphold LP Legacy

Fayose’s visit was more than political. He commended Governor Otti for delivering tangible development within two years of governance, with specific praise directed at improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

“What I’ve seen is truly impressive. Roads, healthcare centres, education—every sector is seeing progress,” Fayose remarked. “I’m not given to flattery, but I can say without hesitation that this administration deserves a pass mark.”

One of the highlights of the visit was Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which Fayose described as a symbol of transformation. Once neglected for nearly four decades, the road has now been rebuilt into a dual carriageway, boosting both accessibility and commercial activity in the city.

“In Aba, I’ve seen more than eight new roads. Port Harcourt Road was unmotorable for 37 years. Now, it’s a dual carriageway. This is what a commercial hub like Aba needs,” he stated.

Fayose was particularly inspired by the introduction of smart schools in Abia and expressed his desire to share the model with Ekiti State. “The smart school initiative is heartwarming. I’ve studied the concept and will recommend it to my state,” he said.

He further applauded Otti for delegating power effectively and giving leadership back to the people. “The governor has given leadership back to the people around him. From what I’ve seen, they are determined to serve the people of Abia. But the buck stops at the governor’s table. It’s one thing to start well, another to finish strong. I want him to finish strong,” he advised.

Otti’s Journey and the Labour Party’s Internal Crisis

Governor Alex Otti’s rise in Abia politics is emblematic of Labour Party’s newfound relevance in Nigeria’s political space. Having left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in May 2022, Otti joined LP and went on to secure a historic victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election, becoming the party’s first and only sitting governor.

However, the party that once rode a wave of youthful enthusiasm and reformist momentum has since faced internal strife. Post-election, LP has struggled with factional disputes, and several defections have weakened its legislative representation. In December 2024 alone, four lawmakers defected to the APC, citing unresolved leadership issues. These moves have reduced LP’s numbers in the House of Representatives from 34 to 26, and in the Senate from eight to six.

This political turbulence has raised concerns about the party’s ability to maintain cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. Nonetheless, party figurehead and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has maintained a message of unity, stating that any future political alliances must prioritize citizens’ welfare over power consolidation.

The turbulence is not exclusive to LP. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also witnessed high-profile defections to the APC, intensifying anxiety over the fate of opposition politics in Nigeria.

Despite these political tremors, Fayose’s endorsement of Otti’s leadership and his plea for the governor to remain with LP may serve as a rallying cry for party loyalists and reform advocates. In the eyes of many, Otti’s performance in Abia is not only a governance model but also a crucial test case for the Labour Party’s credibility on the national stage.