Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday called for unity and reconciliation within the Labour Party following the conclusion of its nationwide primary elections, warning that internal divisions could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

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

Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor stressed the need for members to move past internal contests and focus on strengthening the party ahead of the elections.

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

Otti warned that opposition parties could take advantage of any lingering disagreements within the Labour Party.

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

He also urged successful candidates to reach out to other aspirants and promote reconciliation across all party levels.

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

The governor further emphasized the importance of unity in messaging and campaign strategy.

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

In recent years, the Labour Party has faced internal leadership disputes, with rival factions claiming control of the party’s national structure. Despite these challenges, leaders at the NEC meeting insisted that reconciliation remains crucial to the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.

Earlier, the party’s National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, also appealed to aggrieved members to put aside grievances and work together for the party’s growth.

She noted that disagreements are common in politics but should not derail unity.

“There must be reconciliation, and we need to work together. The party does not belong to any one person,” she said.

Presenting the report of the primaries, National Secretary and NEC Secretary, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, said the elections were conducted on May 30 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in line with the party constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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

Meanwhile, the Labour Party 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 in Nigeria and abroad for their support.

He described the Labour Party as a platform built on social justice and democratic values, representing workers, professionals, and ordinary Nigerians.

He also unveiled his “Nigerians First” agenda, promising to prioritise citizens in governance, alongside a “Believe Again” message aimed at restoring public trust in national institutions.