The faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure has indefinitely suspended six notable members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, for alleged anti-party conduct.
This announcement was made through a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk.
He said, “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 any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.
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.
Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.
- Dr. Alex Otti
- Senator Ireti Kingibe
- Senator Darlington Nwokocha
- Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
- Hon. Amobi Ogah
- Hon. Seyi Sowunmi
By this suspension, these individuals are barred from representing or acting on behalf of the party. Relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, have been informed.
The party addressed why Nenadi Usman’s name was excluded from the list, stating she is not a card-carrying member but part of the Obidient Support Group aligned with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“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 party also mentioned that Usman had recently declared support for another political party, further casting doubt on her loyalty.
Labour Party leaders criticized Usman’s comments on corruption, citing past EFCC investigations and urging her to publicly explain the origins of her wealth and assets.
“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.”
They further defended the party’s financial integrity, noting that INEC’s external auditors reviewed and approved their accounts, praising the party for maintaining transparency.
The statement concluded with a firm rejection of any potential coalition or merger, asserting that the party will contest the 2027 elections independently.
What you should know
The LP faces significant hurdles. Abure’s faction must navigate legal challenges, as the Usman committee’s recognition by INEC could undermine his legitimacy.
Otti’s influence in Abia, where he enjoys strong public support, may render the suspension symbolic, as he hinted on Arise TV that his political future depends on Abia’s people, not Abure.
Kingibe’s backing of the caretaker committee and her FCT voter base suggest she may continue defying Abure, potentially rallying Obidients.
The LP’s rejection of coalitions, while principled, limits its ability to counter the APC’s growing dominance, as seen in defections in Delta and Kano.
Financial transparency claims will be tested, especially after activist Aisha Yesufu’s allegations of misappropriated ₦596 million, which Abure denies.
The party’s ability to unify for Anambra’s November 8, 2025, governorship election, where Moghalu faces a fractured base, will be a litmus test.
For Otti, Kingibe, and others, the suspensions may galvanize their faction to pursue legal or political counterattacks, potentially splitting the LP permanently.
As Nigeria’s opposition weakens, the suspensions underscore a broader crisis of party discipline and democratic pluralism, with the LP’s once-promising “third force” at risk of collapse.
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