Abia 2027: Otti Set to Leave Labour Party as Julius Abure Faction Allegedly Collaborates with APC

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, is reportedly exploring options outside the Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient movement for his political future as the 2027 elections approach.

This comes in the wake of the Julius Abure faction’s recent reinstatement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has raised concerns over the future of the party and its alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by Daily Sun, the Labour Party, under the leadership of the Abure faction, is now perceived by some sources as closely tied to the APC. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the APC, determined to weaken any political structures associated with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential race, sees the internal crisis within the Labour Party as an opportunity to further its anti-Obi agenda.

A well-placed source disclosed, “It’s undeniable that the Abure faction, once blacklisted by INEC, has made a surprising return, largely through the influence of the judiciary and INEC. This turn of events shows just how much the Labour Party has become an appendage of the APC. Elements within the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the LP, some of whom are said to have been compromised, are intent on undermining Governor Otti, Peter Obi, and members of the National and State Assemblies involved in the setting up of the caretaker committee in Umuahia.”

As the 2027 elections draw closer, it’s alleged that Abure and his faction are working on strategies that could potentially exclude Otti, Obi, and other key Labour Party figures from receiving party tickets. “Unless higher courts intervene to uphold Abure’s ouster, which seems increasingly unlikely due to the influence of certain interests within the ruling APC that have compromised impartial institutions, it is clear that a concerted effort will be made to block Otti and his allies from contesting the 2027 elections under the Labour Party,” the source added. “One of the ultimate goals is to merge the faction with the APC. The other scenario involves supporting President Tinubu for re-election or endorsing a weak Yoruba candidate who poses little to no challenge to him.”

In response to these developments, a close ally of Governor Otti, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the governor is fully aware of the alleged plot against his re-election and is taking proactive steps to counter it. “Despite the current chaos within the Labour Party and the ongoing power struggle between factions, I can confidently tell you that Governor Otti is ahead of Abure and his group. He is already planning an independent political future for himself,” the source disclosed.

The loyalist further emphasized that while Otti remains officially a member of the Labour Party, he has already distanced himself from the faction’s internal conflicts. “Governor Otti is not bound by the current dysfunctions within the party. He has strategic plans in place to ensure that any efforts by Abure to sabotage his re-election campaign will be thwarted. The results of the recent Abia local government elections provide a clear indication of what to expect moving forward toward 2027.”

As the political landscape in Abia continues to shift, it appears that Governor Otti is preparing for a future outside the internal strife of the Labour Party, seeking to chart his own course ahead of the 2027 elections.