Fresh Crisis Rocks Labour Party as Factions Trade Blame, Suspend Key Members
The Labour Party (LP) has once again been plunged into internal crisis, with rival factions resuming hostilities and issuing suspensions to prominent members, including the party’s only sitting governor, Alex Otti of Abia State,leadership reports.
The faction led by Julius Abure announced on Wednesday the indefinite suspension of six high-profile members over alleged anti-party activities. The announcement was made in a statement by the faction’s national secretary, Umar Farouk, following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja.
According to the statement, the NEC had set up a five-member disciplinary committee on May 2, 2025, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi and including national secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk and three others. The committee was tasked with investigating Governor Otti and others over alleged actions that contravened the party’s interests.
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After reviewing the committee’s report, the Abure-led faction resolved to suspend the following individuals:
- Dr. Alex Otti (Governor of Abia State)
- Senator Ireti Kingibe
- Senator Darlington Nwokocha
- Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
- Hon. Amobi Ogah
- Hon. Seyi Sowunmi
“These individuals are hereby suspended indefinitely and barred from representing the party in any capacity,” the statement read. “Relevant authorities—including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies—are advised to take note.”
The party clarified that former finance minister Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension because she is not a registered party member but a supporter of the 2023 presidential candidate. “We recognize her affiliation with the Obidient Support Group, but she is not under our disciplinary jurisdiction,” the statement added.
The Abure faction also reiterated its political independence, declaring that the Labour Party will not enter into any coalition or merger before the 2027 general elections.
“The proponents of such coalitions lack the capacity and credibility to manage complex political alliances. The Labour Party will contest the 2027 elections as an independent entity,” the statement concluded.
Nenadi Usman Counters with Probe into Abure’s Conduct
Meanwhile, a rival faction led by Nenadi Usman has launched a counter-offensive, initiating an investigation into Julius Abure for alleged corruption, financial misappropriation, and anti-party behavior.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Usman accused Abure of illegally continuing to parade himself as national chairman despite being removed. She alleged that he had turned the party into a personal enterprise, prioritizing self-interest over party unity.
To address these allegations, Usman announced the formation of a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh as secretary. The panel will probe Abure’s actions and report its findings within 21 days.
Abure has been summoned to appear before the committee to answer to the allegations, which include hijacking party structures and failing to conduct congresses at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels ahead of the national convention.
Usman, who now chairs the LP caretaker committee, vowed to restore internal democracy within the party and release a timetable for fresh congresses and elections. She also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Abure to stop presenting himself as the party leader or face disciplinary action.
Both factions cite the April 4 Supreme Court ruling as validating their claims to the party’s leadership. While Abure’s camp says the judgment affirms his chairmanship, the caretaker faction insists it marked the end of his tenure.
The escalating leadership struggle and mutual suspensions have further deepened the LP’s internal rift, fueling ongoing defections of its lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
