By Our Correspondent
National News – Fresh cracks have emerged within the Labour Party after reconciliation talks between Abia State Governor Alex Otti and factional National Chairman Julius Abure ended without an agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The failed peace meeting, held in Abuja, was organised to address the prolonged leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party and explore ways to reunite rival factions within the opposition party.
However, disagreements over party structure, control of leadership positions, and candidate selection reportedly stalled the talks.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Abure denied reports that his camp demanded money from Otti as part of reconciliation efforts.
He described the allegations as false and politically motivated, insisting that financial issues were never discussed during the closed-door session.
According to Abure, the major disagreement centred on Otti’s alleged insistence that the existing party structure be dissolved before reconciliation could proceed.
He also claimed the governor wanted influence over key National Working Committee positions and candidate nominations in Abia State and other states where he had political interests.
The Labour Party factional chairman stated that his leadership made several concessions during negotiations, including offering strategic national positions, but said the proposals were rejected.
He expressed disappointment over the collapse of the truce talks and blamed the deadlock on what he described as Otti’s uncompromising stance.
The crisis comes barely weeks after Governor Otti publicly declared that the Labour Party remained open to reconciliation in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the latest disagreement could deepen divisions within the party and weaken its opposition strength nationally.
Abure further revealed that the leadership dispute may ultimately be resolved by the Supreme Court, where an appeal concerning the party’s leadership crisis is currently pending.
