Independence: Labour Party Urges Leaders to Emulate Otti's Leadership

The Labour Party has urged governors and other political leaders across Nigeria to emulate what it described as the leadership style of Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

The party made the call in its Independence Day message marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, while urging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country's economic and security challenges.

The party's National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said Otti's administration in Abia had, in the party's assessment, demonstrated credible leadership and provided Nigerians seeking political change with a reason to consider Labour Party candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Given the demonstrated credible leadership taking place in Abia State, where Governor Alex Otti, a product of the Labour Party, holds sway, the Party is bold to say that it is a party that has been tested and has proven its fidelity to its promises to the Nigerian people,” Asogwa said.

He described Otti as “our pride and a role model in true leadership” and said the governor's record had strengthened the party's argument for Nigerians to consider its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

“The party therefore calls on all those in positions of authority to follow in the footsteps of the Labour Party and govern with empathy, justice and transparency, bearing in mind that no nation has ever achieved true development without deliberately prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens,” he said.

The statement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with presidential, governorship and legislative contests expected to shape political activities across the country.

Asogwa said the Labour Party had fielded what it described as competent and credible candidates for the forthcoming elections and urged Nigerians to consider the party as an alternative.

“It is against this background that the Labour Party urges Nigerians to look in the direction of the Party for exemplary leadership,” he said.

“The party has fielded very competent and credible Nigerians for the coming general elections, beginning from the presidential to the state assembly positions, and enjoins our suffering citizens to look in the direction of the Party for salvation and succour.”

The party also called on public office holders to govern with empathy, justice and transparency, stressing that citizens' welfare should remain central to governance.

Asogwa attributed some of Nigeria's current economic and security difficulties to what he described as years of ineffective leadership and governance.

He, however, urged Nigerians not to lose hope and called on citizens to hold political leaders accountable.

“There will surely be joy in the morning. It would be a double tragedy for a people who have endured years of misrule to now surrender hope for their country,” he said.

“We must remember that meaningful change will only come when we, as citizens, rise to hold our leaders accountable, an obligation that cannot be fulfilled through resignation or despair.”

The Labour Party, through Asogwa, reaffirmed its faith in Nigerians and said the country had the human and natural resources required to overcome its current challenges and realise its development potential.