Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called for unity and reconciliation within the Labour Party following the conclusion of its nationwide primary elections, warning that internal disagreements could weaken the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Otti made the appeal on Thursday during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where the outcomes of the primaries were formally ratified and 1,211 candidates were confirmed for various elective positions. Among those endorsed was Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as the party’s presidential candidate.

Represented at the meeting by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor urged members to move past the tensions of the primaries and focus on strengthening the party for the task ahead.

“Elections within the party should never create permanent divisions. The contest is over; the assignment has just begun,” he said.

Otti cautioned that opposition parties could take advantage of internal divisions if members failed to remain united.

“Our opponents will seek to exploit divisions among us. We must not give them the opportunity,” he added.

He further encouraged successful candidates to reach out to fellow aspirants and promote reconciliation across all party structures.

“We must bring everyone to the table and harness the strength, experience, and networks of all those who participated,” Otti said, adding that candidates should see themselves as “ambassadors of hope and agents of change.”

He also emphasized the importance of collective effort and coordinated political strategy.

“We must speak with one voice and mobilise collectively,” he noted.

The Labour Party has continued to grapple with internal leadership disputes in recent years, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership.

Despite these challenges, leaders at the NEC meeting stressed that unity and reconciliation remain essential for the party’s success in 2027.

Earlier, the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, also appealed to members who were dissatisfied with the primary outcomes to embrace peace and work together for the party’s progress.

“In every political party, there are bound to be people who are aggrieved because they didn’t get things the way they wanted. I appeal that we should all sheath our swords and continue working together,” she said.

She added that the purpose of political parties is to win elections and serve the people, stressing that inclusiveness would strengthen the party.

Presenting the report of the primaries, National Secretary and NEC Secretary Hon. Iheanacho Obioma explained that the elections were conducted on May 30 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in line with relevant electoral laws and party guidelines.

He noted that the party carried out a nationwide digital membership registration and revalidation exercise, submitted its membership register to INEC, issued statutory notices, and sold nomination forms before conducting the primaries.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, formally accepted his nomination and pledged to run a people-focused campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I accept this nomination with full understanding of the weight of responsibility it carries,” he said.

Okereke thanked the party leadership, Governor Otti, Nenadi Usman, NEC members, and supporters both in Nigeria and abroad for their confidence in him.

He described the Labour Party as a platform built on social justice, workers’ interests, and democratic ideals.

The presidential candidate also unveiled his “Nigerians First” agenda, saying his administration would prioritize citizens’ welfare, while promoting his “Believe Again” message aimed at restoring trust in governance and national institutions.