Governor Otti Says He’s Still in Labour Party But Future Uncertain

By: Abudu Olalekan

Abia State Governor Alex Otti just dropped a political grenade. And honestly? Nobody saw it comin’. During his gritty January 2026 media chat last Thursday—his first of the New Year—Otti didn’t just answer questions. He served up drama, defiance, and a whole lot of “hold my garri.”

Let’s cut to the chase.

The Labour Party’s national leadership crisis? Yeah, it’s messier than a goat market. Two factions fighting like cats n’ dogs. Otti’s camp insists National Chairman Julius Abure’s tenure expired. Courts even backed ‘em.

“We are on the right side,” Otti declared, leaning forward, eyes sharp. “Court said his time’s up. Simple. If we ignore court orders, why have courts at all?”

Then came the bombshell.

“I’m currently in Labour Party,” he said, almost casual—like telling you the weather. “But nobody knows tomorrow.”

BOOM.

That line hit harder than a missed budget. Political Abuja is buzzing: Is Otti threatening to bolt? Is he tired of the party’s chaos? Or just keeping his options wide open?

“We ain’t in election season right now,” he shrugged. “So yeah, we’ll run under Labour Party if elections pop up tomorrow. But tomorrow? Who knows.”

Meanwhile, Back in Abia… Gov’s Gettin’ Stuff DONE
While party politics burns, Otti’s quietly turning Abia upside down—for the better.

Education’s gettin’ a massive glow-up:
Last December, schools were half-empty. Now? Over 300,000 kids enrolled. How? Free education + actually functional schools. And he’s hiring 4,000 new teachers. Finally! No more “teacher absent” excuses.

“You can’t have kids in class if there’s no teacher,” he snapped. “We’re fixin’ that.”

Hotels? They’re about to get GRADED.
Ever booked a hotel in Aba only to find cockroaches as “room service”? Otti’s had enough.

His govt’s launching a digital GPS rating system for every hotel and hospitality spot in Abia.

“In a few months,” he grinned, “click a button—boom! You see which hotel’s clean, which one’s a dump. Speed up your game, hotel owners… or get left behind.”

(Travelers are already doing happy dances.)

“Sue Me If You Dare” — Gov’s Government House Drama
Remember that crumbling Government House in Umuahia? Yeah, the one past governors left looking like a haunted mansion? Otti REFUSES to live there. He’s been operating from his hometown—Nvosi, Isialangwa South—since day one.

Now, some ex-govs are furious. Rumor is they’re planning to sue him for “deserting” the official residence.

Otti’s response? Bring. It. On.

“I’m waiting to be sued,” he said, calm as a monk. “My lawyers are locked n’ loaded. Open your constitution—where does it say a governor MUST live in a particular building?”

Then he dropped the real tea:

“The state they left that Government House in… you people know. I don’t owe ’em explanations.”

So… What’s Otti’s Next Move?
Politically, he’s playin’ 4D chess.
✅ Stays in Labour Party → Keeps his seat safe for now.
❌ But leaves later? → Could mean a brand-new party… or jumping to APC/PDP.

His “nobody knows tomorrow” line ain’t just slipshod grammar—it’s a warning shot. He’s signaling: “Don’t take my loyalty for granted.”

Locals are split:
“Finally, a governor who talks TRUTH!”
“If he quits Labour Party, does our development get derailed?”

But one thing’s crystal clear—Alex Otti ain’t playin’ politics as usual. He’s all business. No-nonsense. And ready to burn bridges if it means fixing Abia.

As he wrapped up the media session, he left journalists with this:

“We’re building a state that works— not for politicians. For the PEOPLE. Everything else? Noise.”