By CHARLES IWUOHA

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) on Friday, commended Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for demonstrating the core ideals of the party through his leadership style and inclusive governance model.

The commendation came during a meeting held at the Governor's Lodge in Abuja, where the party leadership presented the Governor with the Labour Party governorship nomination form free of charge, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, commended Governor Otti for clearly demonstrating the Labour Party ideals of social justice and equal opportunities to all Nigerians.

“We are here today to collectively express our gratitude for your good leadership and for showing Nigerians, especially the people of Abia State, what the Labour Party truly represents.”

Sen. Nenadi further acknowledged Governor Otti's inclusive approach to politics, noting that he does not practice the Zero-Sum-Game, “Winner-Takes-All” approach.

“You have won, but you are carrying along even those you defeated. Even those you defeated cannot help but praise you,” Sen. Usman stated.

She also recalled positive remarks from other political groups who had commended the Governor’s leadership style, adding: “If this is how Nigerian politics can be turned around, then there will be no acrimony in our politics.”

Presenting the Free Governorship nomination form, the National Chairman explained that the NWC also collectively resolved to hand over all Labour Party nomination forms for Abia State to the Governor as a mark of confidence in his leadership.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by his chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and made available to journalists.

Earlier, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, described Governor Otti as the face of the Labour Party’s revival.

“We are very happy with what you have done for the Labour Party. Nigerians are proud of you,” he said, adding that the Governor has restored public confidence in the party.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the leadership for what he described as a rare gesture.

“I want to thank the National Working Committee of our great party for this gesture of handing over the governorship nomination form to me free of charge,” Governor Otti said.

The State Chief Executive commended the party leadership for stabilizing the Labour Party, despite recent internal crisis and legal challenges.

“I want to congratulate you for how you have been able to keep this party together, avoiding the landmines, and stabilizing it up to this moment. I think it would be right to say that the party is now safe,” Gov. Otti declared.

Governor Otti added that with the legal distractions now behind the party, attention should shift to rebuilding and strengthening its structures and organs.

“The only way to go now is up,” the Governor concluded.

In his vote of thanks, the immediate past interim National Secretary of the Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, who equally used the opportunity to pick up the nomination form for Abia Central Senatorial Zone, described Governor Otti as a leader who is redefining political culture.

“You are not just winning elections; you are teaching us a new standard of leadership and politics,” he said.

He also recalled the Governor’s role in ensuring peaceful and orderly processes during the Party's primaries, earlier in 2022, noting that his leadership brought discipline and unity to the party.

The meeting was attended by Labour Party members of the House of Representatives led by the caucus leader, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, the National Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, National Women Leader, Hilda Dokubo, and National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa. Also in attendance were some members of the Abia State Executive Council.

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