In a move that could mirror the political realignment seen in Rivers State, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is reportedly considering asking his supporters to join the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) ahead of the upcoming local government elections in the state.

The governor, who came to power under the Labour Party (LP), is allegedly exploring alternative political platform to secure influence in the state’s local councils, following internal disagreements within the LP.

Advertorial

DAILY GAZETTE had reported how the Court of Appeal upheld the Federal High Court judgment affirming Barr. Julius Abure as the authentic national chairman of the Labour Party.

The judgment recognized the Nnewi convention, where Barr. Abure was re-elected, and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acknowledge Abure-led National Working Committee as the only legitimate leadership of the party.

Advertorial

According to reports, the judgment did not sit well with Governor Otti, who, alongside other party stakeholders, had appointed Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s national caretaker committee chairman during a stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Julius Abure had instructed the Abia State chapter of the Labour Party not to take directives from any other source except the leadership recognized by him.

According to insider reports, Governor Otti is contemplating rallying his political base to shift allegiance to the Zenith Labour Party, a party known to share similar ideals with the Labour Party but with fewer or no internal frictions.

This potential realignment draws comparisons to the Rivers State political scenario, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara faced challenges and shifted his support base to the Action People’s Party (APP).

Advertorial

Though no official statement has been released by the governor, discussions within the Abia political circle suggest that the move is being considered as a way to navigate internal party conflicts and strengthen Otti’s hold on the state’s political structure.

If executed, this strategy could significantly impact the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, giving Governor Otti a stronger position by placing loyalists in Abia’s seventeen local government areas.

However, it remains unclear how Labour Party officials and other political stakeholders in the state will react to such a shift.

The Edo State Government has formally requested Senator Monday Okpebholo to commence the establishment of his transition team, which will work in tandem with the outgoing administration’s transition team.

In a letter dated October 10, 2024, Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe emphasized that forming this team is essential for facilitating meaningful discussions and sharing crucial information, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities and continuity in governance.

Advertorial

In July 2024, Governor Godwin Obaseki had already set the stage for this process by inaugurating a 20-member transition committee, led by Eboigbe, aimed at ensuring an effective transfer of power and knowledge to the incoming administration.

Eboigbe’s letter stated, “I hope this message finds you in great spirits. As we prepare for the transition of power, we believe it is crucial to establish a smooth and effective collaboration between your team and our current administration.”

Advertorial

He further invited Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to promptly form their transition team.

“This will allow us to begin meaningful discussions and share vital information that will ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance,” Eboigbe noted.

The Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the APC in making the transition efficient and effective, proposing October 14, 2024, for the inaugural meeting between both transition committees.

Advertorial

“We look forward to your prompt response and to working closely with you and your team in the coming weeks. Together, we can set the foundation for a successful administration that meets the expectations of our constituents. Thank you for your attention,” Eboigbe added.

As of now, the letter has been acknowledged by Mr. Joy Oyere, an administrative secretary at the Edo State Chapter of the APC, but a response from Senator Okpebholo is still pending.

Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, has urged Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to step back from seeking election in Nigeria.

Fayose made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, emphasizing that Abubakar should move on from his long history of electoral defeats.

Advertorial

Atiku Abubakar has made several attempts to secure the presidency, running in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, with three of those attempts ending in primary losses.

Fayose remarked, “With all due respect to him, at this stage, he would probably prefer to stay away from the politics of contesting elections again.”

Fayose noted that by the next election cycle, Abubakar will be around 80 years old, suggesting that the allure of holding the highest office may not be as compelling at that age.

Advertorial

“By the time Bola Tinubu finishes his term, Atiku Abubakar will likely be 80 or 81. So what will be the attraction?” Fayose queried.

He added, “We should leave the stage when the ovation is loudest. I respect him, but Nigerians are yearning for a younger generation in leadership.”

Despite this, Atiku has expressed optimism about his prospects for the 2027 presidential elections, stating to Voice of America Hausa in May that he would not give up on his aspirations.

“God willing,” he said when asked if he would run again, adding that he would continue to pursue the presidency “as long as God gives me strength, good health, and long life.”

He also pointed out the example of Abraham Lincoln, who contested multiple times before eventually winning the presidency.

On the state of the PDP, Fayose lamented that the party’s once-strong structures have collapsed, allowing figures like Peter Obi of the Labour Party to emerge as a more recognizable voice of the opposition.

Advertorial

He stated, “We can defeat the APC, but if we don’t have a party, how can we do that?”

He emphasized that when complaints are made about the APC but the PDP lacks cohesion, it diminishes the party’s credibility. “Obi is now the voice of the opposition.”

“The press will call him before they reach out to the PDP, especially with the ongoing suspensions within our party,” he said, highlighting the urgency for the PDP to regain its footing.