ABUJA, Nigeria – The Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities.
The party’s National Executive Council (NEC) ratified the decision of the Abure-led faction on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the conclusion of investigations by a disciplinary panel.
Others affected by the sweeping action are Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
Suspension Ratified After Disciplinary Panel Review
In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the NEC explained that the decision followed the recommendations of a five-member Disciplinary Committee constituted on 2 May 2025 to investigate allegations of disloyalty and anti-party conduct.
“Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary, and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and other party members,” the statement read.
“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.”
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, bars the affected individuals from participating in all party activities until further notice.
Omission of Nenadi Usman
The statement also addressed the omission of Senator Nenadi Usman, leader of the rival National Caretaker Committee, from the list of those suspended.
According to the party, Usman is not recognised as a registered Labour Party member and, therefore, cannot be sanctioned.
“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,” the statement noted.
The party went further, questioning Usman’s moral authority to speak on issues of corruption.
Citing alleged investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the statement accused Usman of asset forfeitures and questioned the legitimacy of her properties and business holdings.
“Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the party said.
No Mergers Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Labour Party also used the opportunity to reaffirm its political stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating categorically that it will not enter into any coalition or merger.
“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a stand-alone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded.
Growing Tensions Within the Party
The latest development adds to the mounting leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which has seen rival factions led by Julius Abure and Nenadi Usman issuing conflicting directives and suspensions in recent weeks.
While the Abure-led faction maintains that it is the party’s legitimate leadership structure, the Usman-led Caretaker Committee insists that Abure’s tenure has been nullified by a Supreme Court ruling delivered on 4 April 2025.
With both sides escalating their battle for control, the party now faces an internal crisis that could significantly affect its unity and viability ahead of the next general election.
Observers say unless reconciliatory efforts are initiated, the Labour Party risks fracturing further, potentially weakening the opposition space in the 2027 polls.
