Abia State Governor Alex Otti, on July 2, 2025, dismissed speculations of joining the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, led by David Mark under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party (LP).
Speaking at a state banquet in Umuahia, Otti, who won 2023 with 1.2 million votes, said, “I’m not in any coalition; I remain a proud Labour Party member, focused on Abia’s development.” His statement counters claims by PDP’s Atiku Abubakar that Otti would join the coalition to unseat the APC in 2027, leveraging LP’s 6 million-member base.
Otti, credited with Abia’s 10% GDP growth since 2023, emphasized delivering 5,000 jobs and $1 billion in infrastructure, distancing himself from the PDP’s 300 defections and internal crises. The coalition, aiming for 15 million votes, has approached LP’s Peter Obi, but Otti’s rejection signals LP’s intent to contest independently, targeting Nigeria’s 80 million voters frustrated by 33% inflation. Otti plans a N500 million campaign to strengthen LP’s 10 state chapters by Q1 2026, with Abia’s 3 million residents backing his 70% approval rating.