Ayo Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has advised Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, to remain steadfast in the Labour Party (LP), despite the wave of defections that the party is facing.
At Otti’s home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Fayose gave the counsel on Sunday.
Fayose urged the governor to resist any pressure to leave, noting that Otti’s contributions and identity within the Labour Party had developed into a standalone institution.
You are a prisoner here, my governor, don’t leave. We’re referring to Nigeria’s multi-party system’s diversity. Even if everyone leaves, people don’t leave, according to them. Keep it that way. The former governor of Ekiti claimed that you are the country’s chairman.
[2027:] I Will Consult With God Before Making Decision, Says Otti.Otti refuted rumors that he planned to leave LP and join the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling the claims “false, baseless, and unfounded” in April.
The governor recently stated that he will consult with God before making a decision as a result of discussions regarding a re-election bid in 2027.
Given Back Leadership
Following his visit, the Otti-led administration in Umuahia and Aba visited several important projects.
Fayose continued his praise for the Abia governor’s accomplishments during his two-year term by describing his impactful and person-focused policies, particularly in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education.
“The typical Abian does such a good job for them, raising their standard of living and bringing them to civility. So what I saw made me more than impressed. Some of the community maternity health care facilities were recently renovated, while others were completely rebuilt.
“It’s quite impressive in every sector we have seen.” We can’t say less than good in two years, and I’m not given a pass for a governor who has shown such zeal for his people.
Fayose cited Port Harcourt Road in Aba as a case in point, noting that the once-impassable route had been transformed into a dual carriageway, restoring access and economic viability.
“We are now in Aba once more. In Aba, I saw more than eight roads. I was told that Port Harcourt Road has been uninhabited for 37 years. It is not maneuverable. Therefore, it has been put in place, and a dual carriageway like this is all that would be required for a business city like Aba.
He praised Otti’s introduction of smart schools and promised to spread the idea to his home state, Ekiti.
The smart school is “the one I love the most,” he says. According to Fayose, I was able to sit down and discuss these ideas with my governor (Ekiti State Governor), who will also learn from them.
According to what I’ve seen, the governor has resigned from his position of authority over the people who surround him and made their priorities the people of Abia. The governor has informed me that his table will be his place of worship. Therefore, starting is not a big deal for anyone; it is just finishing. I therefore want him to continue to perform well.
Labour Party Turmoil and Otti’s Rise
After a failed bid to become governor under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Otti resigned from the Labour Party (LP) in May 2022.
He defeated Okey Ahiwe, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, in the tumultuous 2023 elections. He became the first and only Labor Party governor in Nigeria after gaining a sizable following among the youth.
However, the LP has experienced internal disagreements since the upcoming 2023 general elections, which has resulted in a wave of defections. Four LP lawmakers left the ruling APC in December 2024, citing factional issues. Alfred Iliya Ajang of Plateau State followed them.
These exits have also tested the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, which have reduced LP’s strength in the House of Representatives from 34 to 26 and from eight to six in the Senate.
The party’s candidate for president in 2023, Peter Obi, has stated that he is open to alliances as long as they focus on enhancing the welfare of the citizens rather than gaining power.
Source: Channels TV
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