Abia State Governor Alex Otti is reportedly exploring alternative political options for 2027, possibly outside the Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient movement.
This development comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently recognized the Julius Abure faction of the LP.
A recent report by Daily Sun suggests that the Abure faction has become closely tied to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with some sources alleging that APC is seeking to weaken and destabilize any party structure associated with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to sources, APC sees the LP crisis as an opportunity to execute its anti-Obi agenda, and is using compromised officials within the Abure-led LP National Working Committee to achieve this goal.
One source claimed that the Abure faction is plotting to sabotage Governor Otti, Peter Obi, and other LP members involved in the Umuahia meeting and the setting up of the caretaker committee. The source alleged that unless higher courts intervene, the Abure faction will do everything in its power to deny Otti, Obi, and other affected LP members tickets in the 2027 election.
The source also suggested that the ultimate goal is to either collapse the Abure faction into the APC or field a weak candidate that will pose no challenge to the APC presidential candidate at the polls.
Meanwhile, a loyalist of Governor Otti, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the governor is aware of the Abure faction’s plans and has put measures in place to counter them. The loyalist stated that Governor Otti is planning to chart a separate, independent political future and is not dependent on the LP for his re-election bid.
The loyalist also claimed that Governor Otti’s plans are already in motion, and that the outcome of the recent Abia local government election provides a glimpse into what to expect in the run-up to the 2027 election.
