The Labour Party (LP) has described Abia State Governor Alex Otti as the “pride” of the party’s 2023 electoral success, commending his purposeful, hands-on leadership and transformative governance in less than three years in office.
In a heartfelt birthday message issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Abuja, the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, congratulated the governor and highlighted his remarkable achievements since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
“Your Excellency, as you mark your birthday today, I pray that God continues to endow you with enormous wisdom to pilot the affairs of Abia State, where you have, in less than three years, redefined leadership,” Senator Usman stated.
She described Governor Otti as a visionary leader whose determination and commitment have demonstrated that governance can be both purposeful and people-centred. “You have shown that with clear vision, discipline, and dedication, meaningful change is possible even in challenging circumstances,” she added.
The Labour Party chairman pointed to Otti’s track record as evidence of a new standard in governance for Abia State. Under his administration, the state has witnessed visible improvements in key sectors, including road rehabilitation, primary healthcare revitalization, education infrastructure upgrades, payment of inherited salary arrears, pension clearance, and enhanced security through community policing initiatives.
Senator Usman expressed strong confidence that the people of Abia would overwhelmingly support the renewal of Governor Otti’s mandate in the next election cycle, citing his performance as a compelling case for continuity. “You remain the pride of the Labour Party’s outing in the 2023 elections, and I am certain the good people of Abia State are taking note of your leadership,” she said.
The message underscored the LP’s view of Otti as a model of the kind of leadership the party seeks to project nationwide—transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy to citizens.
Governor Otti, a former banker and 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, won the Abia governorship election with a landslide victory, ending decades of opposition dominance in the state. His administration has been widely praised for fiscal discipline, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, infrastructure renewal, and efforts to attract investment despite inherited debts and economic headwinds.
The birthday tribute from the national leadership comes at a time when the Labour Party continues to position itself as a credible alternative in Nigerian politics, particularly in the Southeast and other regions where it enjoys strong grassroots support. Otti’s success in Abia is frequently cited by party leaders as proof that the LP can deliver good governance when given the opportunity.
Senator Usman concluded her message by wishing the governor many more years of impactful service. “On behalf of the leadership and members of the Labour Party, I wish you many happy returns of the day. May your years ahead be filled with greater wisdom, good health, and continued success in serving the people of Abia State,” she wrote.
Governor Otti has not yet issued a public response to the message, but sources close to his administration indicate he appreciates the recognition and remains focused on sustaining the momentum of his “Abia First” agenda.
The Labour Party’s endorsement reinforces Otti’s standing as one of the most visible success stories of the 2023 general elections and a key figure in the party’s narrative ahead of future electoral contests.
As Abia residents and political observers mark the governor’s birthday, the message from Senator Usman serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on leaders who emerge from opposition platforms to deliver real change in governance.
