Labour Party Hails Peter Obi’s Defection to ADC as ‘Blessing,’ Apologises to Nigerians for 2023 Ticket

The Labour Party has described Peter Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation” and a “blessing” for the party. In a statement on December 31, 2025, signed by National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, the party also apologised to Nigerians for presenting what it termed an “unfitting” presidential candidate in 2023.

The statement blamed Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for internal party crises, accusing them of fostering an insurrection against the party’s leadership. It noted that Obi’s defection event in Enugu was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional figures and suggested this signals the end of his future presidential or vice-presidential ambitions.

The Labour Party further accused Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, resulting in political marginalisation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party pledged to present a rebranded Labour Party with a candidate capable of restoring Nigeria to its “glorious days.”

Abia Governor Alex Otti Confirms Peter Obi’s Plan to Quit Labour Party but Rules Out Defection, Says He Will “Continue the Struggle” to Rescue LP

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi plans to leave the Labour Party (LP), a development that has intensified speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, Otti disclosed that Obi personally informed him of his decision to exit the party, adding that he gave him his blessings. However, Otti firmly dismissed claims that he would defect alongside Obi, insisting that he remains committed to the Labour Party “for now” and will continue efforts to reform and reposition it.
The governor stressed that his political journey with the LP predates Obi’s entry into the party and that the platform remains the one that brought him to power. He said only a failure to rescue and restructure the party would force discussions about alternative options, ruling out any immediate defection. Otti also rejected overtures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including calls from Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, saying he would not be distracted from governance. While confirming Obi’s planned exit, Otti declined to reveal the party the former Anambra governor intends to join, amid reports linking Obi to an opposition coalition believed to be adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its vehicle for the 2027 elections.

My Visit To Nnamdi Kanu Was For Peace, Not Political Ambition — Abia Governor Alex Otti Responds To Viral Video Criticism

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has dismissed claims that his visit to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Sokoto was driven by political ambition, insisting it was purely aimed at promoting peace and dialogue. Speaking at the Government House in Umuahia while receiving the Abia Diaspora Commission and the Global Medical Mission 2025 team, Otti said democracy allows for differing opinions but stressed that his actions were motivated by stability in Abia State and the South-East. Responding to criticism from a viral video, the governor reiterated his earlier declaration that he would retire from public office after completing his tenure. His comments followed controversy surrounding Kanu’s life sentence on terrorism-related charges and his transfer from DSS custody in Abuja to the Sokoto Correctional Facility, a move condemned by Kanu’s legal team.

BREAKING: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Visits Nnamdi Kanu at Sokoto Prison Amid Appeal, Sowore Commends Cleric

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at Sokoto Correctional Centre. Kanu, convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, was transferred from Kuje Prison. His detention has sparked legal motions seeking transfer back to Abuja to facilitate his appeal. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore commended Bishop Kukah for his visit, emphasizing its symbolic solidarity. Previous visits were also made by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

JUST IN: Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has approved the appointment of Dr Emmanuel Meribole, as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG)

Sokoto Government Denies Gov Aliyu Joined Alex Otti to Visit Nnamdi Kanu in Prison

The Sokoto State Government has refuted social media claims that Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti to visit detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Aliyu’s spokesman clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia performing Lesser Hajj on November 30, 2025—the same day Otti privately visited Sokoto.

Officials confirmed that Otti was only received by commissioners and aides at the airport, who later escorted him to the Government House for standard courtesy protocols. The Sokoto Government emphasized its commitment to peace, rule of law, and national unity, while distancing Aliyu from the speculation surrounding Otti’s widely discussed visit to Kanu.

Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a fresh motion requesting a transfer from Sokoto Prison, arguing that his detention hinders his ability to appeal his conviction effectively.

Sokoto Govt Denies Governor Aliyu Joined Alex Otti’s Visit to Nnamdi Kanu in Custodial Centre

The Sokoto State government has refuted reports claiming Governor Ahmed Aliyu accompanied Abia State Governor Alex Otti during his private visit to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Custodial Centre. In a statement, Governor Aliyu’s spokesperson clarified that the governor was in Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj on the date of Otti’s visit. The government explained that only commissioners and Special Advisers received Otti as a matter of protocol. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation and political tension surrounding Otti’s interaction with the detained separatist leader, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment.

Otti Visits IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu In Sokoto Prison Facility

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has visited the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at a correctional facility in Sokoto State.

Governor Otti was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesman, officials of the Sokoto State Government were also present during the visit.

#AlexOtti #NnamdiKanu #AbiaState #NigeriaNews

Gunmen Attack Advance Team of Abia Governor Alex Otti in Imo, No Casualties Reported



Gunmen on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, opened fire on an advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State. The three-member team was heading to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred near the airport junction. No injuries or casualties were recorded. According to a statement by Governor Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s main convoy was not involved and was far from the area at the time. The government urged the public to disregard false rumours of an attack on the governor. Security agencies have since been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators.

No Casualties as Gunmen Attack Abia Governor Otti’s Advance Team in Imo

An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.
Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Tinubu Nominates Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Ugwuanyi, Yakubu and 28 Others as Ambassadors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated 32 individuals for ambassadorial appointments and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.

Those on the list include:
• Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Enugu State Governor
• Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past INEC Chairman
• Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister
• Reno Omokri, former presidential aide
• Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia State Governor
• Femi Pedro, former Lagos Deputy Governor
• Jimoh Ibrahim, Ondo Senator and businessman
• Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Ekiti First Lady
• Grace Bent, former Adamawa Senator

Tinubu has sent the full list to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

#Tinubu #Ambassadors #NigeriaNews #SenateConfirmation

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, just arrived in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the Southern Governors’ Forum meeting.

I’ve Activated Strategy To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release — Gov Otti
Otti, who criticized the authorities for their initial mishandling of IPOB grievances, called for peace and emphasized that political solutions would be leveraged to resolve the matter permanently.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that steps are underway to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Gov Otti Sends Warning to Those Planning to Rig 2027 Abia Governorship Election.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned against attempts to manipulate the 2027 gubernatorial election results.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor cautioned those planning to rig the election to “write their wills” first.

Otti’s remarks came in response to comments attributed to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would take over Abia in 2027.

While acknowledging Kalu’s right to contest the election, Otti emphasised that all candidates must play by the rules.

“I’ve heard some people say they must take over this state and manipulate results.

“My advice is simple, if they truly want to write results, they should first write their wills. That’s their choice,” he said.

Describing Kalu as a friend and younger brother, the governor added that he had forgiven him for past criticisms of his administration, stressing the need to maintain peace and decorum in Abia.

Otti also used the platform to reaffirm that he has no intention of joining the APC and remains a committed member of the Labour Party.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian Hemp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action.

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcoqAzqdqazqhol and cannabis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

Sen Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself Most Important Politician in South-East, Says Peter Obi Can’t Match His Record.

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that he remains the most important political figure from the South-East, dismissing Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as less influential.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Kalu asserted that his political record and achievements far outweigh Obi’s.

“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said confidently. “I have won two states under the PPA, contested for president in 2007, and secured 4.9 million votes. Under President Yar’Adua, we had ministers, ambassadors, and other key appointments through our party.”

On his political future, Kalu said age would not stop him from running for president if the opportunity arises, drawing parallels with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“If I’m healthy and God grants me life, I can still contest. It’s not about age; it’s about competence , what’s in my brain and what I can deliver,” he stated.

When asked if he believes the Igbo nation should unite behind Obi in future elections, Kalu declined to endorse the Labour Party leader.

“You Can’t Rewrite History” — Orji Kalu Insists Obasanjo Truly Sought Third Term In Office

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has once again stirred controversy over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambition, claiming that the former leader indeed made attempts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limit.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu revealed that Obasanjo had personally discussed the third-term plan with him and several northern governors at the time. He alleged that the rift between Obasanjo and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, was linked to this controversial agenda.

According to Kalu, Obasanjo’s recent denials were an attempt to “rewrite history,” a move he insists will never succeed. The senator called on other key political figures who were aware of the plan to speak out and uphold the truth, stressing that the effort to elongate Obasanjo’s rule was real — but was ultimately thwarted by defenders of democracy.

In his words:

“Why was he quarreling with Governor Peter Odili? He wanted third term. Let’s not deceive ourselves. The man wants to rewrite history, but it can’t be rewritten. He wanted third term and we stopped him from getting it.”

“They Ignored My Calls” — Sowore Reveals Otti and Soludo’s Silence Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that his attempts to reach Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were unsuccessful.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Sowore said he reached out to the two Southeast governors as part of his efforts to rally key political leaders to unite in demanding Kanu’s release — but neither took his calls nor responded to his messages.

“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi through his team today.
Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” Sowore wrote.



The activist and Sahara Reporters publisher added that while Otti and Soludo remained silent, he was able to connect with Hon. Obi Aguocha, a federal lawmaker from Abia State, who responded positively to his appeal for joint action.

Sowore also mentioned that he reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him and other national leaders to join the collective call for Kanu’s unconditional release.

His statement has since sparked intense debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the political unity and responsiveness of Southeast leaders regarding Kanu’s continued incarceration.

I Told Mandela and Bush About Obasanjo’s Third Term Ambition” — Orji Uzor Kalu Makes Shocking Revelation!


Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stirred political discussions after revealing that he personally informed world leaders about former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third term agenda during his tenure.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Kalu disclosed that he alerted global figures including former U.S. President George W. Bush, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, and the late Nelson Mandela about Obasanjo’s alleged plan to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional limit.

According to Kalu, he took the bold step after realizing the seriousness of the situation, believing that involving respected international leaders was necessary to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“I was the one who told President Thabo Mbeki that Obasanjo was running for a third term. I also told President Bush and Mandela. They all called him to confirm it,” Kalu said.


He recounted that Nelson Mandela, concerned about the implications of such a move for Africa’s democratic values, immediately summoned Obasanjo for clarification. Kalu also revealed that Obasanjo later held private discussions with Thabo Mbeki in New York during a United Nations General Assembly session to address the growing global concern.

Kalu described these interventions as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, noting that the exposure helped curb what could have been a serious constitutional crisis.

He criticized the culture of political denial and misinformation in Nigeria, warning that a democracy built on deceit and manipulation cannot survive.

“We must protect the truth and the constitution. A democracy built on lies and falsehood will crumble over time,” he cautioned.


Kalu’s revelation has since reignited public debate about Nigeria’s political past and the behind-the-scenes efforts that shaped the country’s democratic journey.

Orji Kalu Declares Himself Most Influential Politician in South East.

Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has proclaimed himself the most important political figure in Nigeria’s South East, dismissing claims that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is his leader.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Kalu highlighted his political achievements, arguing that his electoral and administrative record surpasses Obi’s.

“Peter is not my leader. I’m the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under the PPA.

“I have run for president before. My 4.9 million votes are still there since 2007,” Kalu stated.

He further noted that his influence extended to the federal level during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“I achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and several appointments under President Yar’Adua,” he said.

Challenging Obi directly, Kalu added: “Arrange in your studio a meeting between me and Peter Obi. Put two of us in the same place.”