Ahead the Nov 2 scheduled for the Abia State LG elections candidates anointed by Governor Alex Otti have surfaced under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).


Otti's selected cronies were muscled out of the Labour Party, LP as Julius Abure, the court-affirmed National Chairman of the LP, tightens his grip on the party’s leadership


 The emergence of Otti's men in ZLP confirms earlier reports that Otti was negotiating with the leadership of the ZLP to accommodate his preferred candidates ahead  the Abia local government elections.


Amongst Otti's selected cronies campaigning under the ZLP include his former Otti’s Deputy Chief of Staff,  Chinedu Ekeke, the candidate for the Isiukwuato LGA


Another  campaign poster shows  Smart Iheoma, another close ally of Otti, who was initially nominated by Otti as the LP  candidate for Umuahia North LGA. However, Iheoma’s name was  excluded from the final list of candidates submitted by the LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission,  ABSIEC. 


This list excluded several candidates endorsed by Otti, further escalating tensions within the party


The emergence of these ZLP campaign posters highlights Otti’s determination to find alternative means to ensure his preferred candidates participate in the LG   elections. The internal conflict over the submission of candidates and the court rulings in favor of Abure have left Otti with limited options within the LP, prompting his negotiations with the ZLP


 With Otti’s camp now seeking refuge under the ZLP platform, the L P’s internal crisis could lead to a splintering of its support base, benefiting rival political parties. The presence of Otti’s candidates under the ZLP also suggests that the faction is preparing for a scenario where the LP’s internal rift remains unresolved before the elections.