The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday announced the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, alongside the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe and Senator Darlighton Nwokocha, representing Abia Central senatorial district, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The announcement came after the faction’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened an emergency meeting in Abuja to deliberate on the findings of a five-man Disciplinary Committee established last week.
The committee, headed by its Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, with Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, National Secretary, and three other senior officials, was tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against Governor Otti and other high-profile party members.
The NEC, after what it described as “exhaustive deliberation” in accordance with what it said is the Labour Party Constitution, ratified the committee’s recommendations.
Other members of the Labour Party suspended by the faction with immediate effect include Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
“By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party.
“All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note,” stated Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, National Secretary of the faction.
Notably absent from the suspension list is Nenadi Usman, whose name had surfaced in various reports.
Ibrahim, in the statement, claimed that Usman is not a registered member of the party but rather a member of the Obidient Support Group, which backed the party’s 2023 presidential campaign.
“It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party,” Ibrahim stated.
“First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card-carrying member of the Party.”
The party further accused Usman of political inconsistency and questioned her integrity.
“We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“We will therefore not honour her with any sanction, being not a member of the party.
“We are aware that Ms. Usman recently aligned herself with another political party, pledging her loyalty elsewhere,” the statement read.
The party also issued a scathing rebuke of Usman’s past legal troubles, particularly her past involvement in high-profile corruption cases prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“We challenge Ms. Usman to explain her plea bargain with the EFCC, the properties she allegedly forfeited, and how she acquired her extensive assets both in Nigeria and abroad,” the statement continued, alleging that Usman lacked the moral standing to speak on issues of corruption.
Ibrahim also reaffirmed the faction of the Labour Party’s commitment to maintaining independence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Dismissing any speculation about potential mergers or coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ibrahim stressed that the party has no intention of joining forces with other political entities.
“The protagonists of such coalitions lack the capacity, character, and competence to manage a viable political arrangement,” the party noted.
“The Labour Party will contest the 2027 general election as a standalone entity.”
The Labour Party, which rose to prominence during the 2023 elections under the leadership of Abure and enjoyed widespread youth and grassroots support through the Obidient movement, has faced internal strife and factional disputes since then.
The suspension of Governor Otti and other prominent members of the party by the Abure-led faction marks a significant escalation in the party’s internal crisis.
The current development will potentially impact the party’s cohesion and electoral strength in the run-up to the next election cycle.