The Court of Appeal on April 7, 2026, granted Abia State Governor Alex Otti the right to be formally joined as a respondent in the ongoing leadership dispute within the Labour Party (LP).
The ruling gives him full legal standing to participate in proceedings challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
A three‑member appellate panel unanimously agreed that Otti, elected on the LP platform and a statutory member of the party’s National Executive Committee, has a direct stake in the outcome of two pending appeals.
He sought inclusion following the January 21, 2026 Federal High Court judgment that affirmed the leadership of the party under a faction led by Nenadi Usman.
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Delivering the judgment, the panel directed that Otti be joined as a respondent in both appeals and ordered the parties to file amended briefs reflecting his inclusion.
Appellants were given five days to serve amended briefs, respondents three days, and reply briefs were to be filed within two days thereafter.
The court also adjourned further applications from other interested parties seeking similar status to April 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Analysts say Otti’s inclusion could shape the direction of the leadership dispute, which has persisted since the Federal High Court ruling earlier this year.