The Labour Party’s (LP) crisis has escalated, with the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) threatening to suspend Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to the LP, if Otti and Obi do not stop what they call anti-party activities, they will face suspension.
In a communique released after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, the party leadership advised both high-profile members against steps that could damage the party’s unity and integrity.
The meeting, headed by General Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, was attended by party’s national chairman Julius Abure, national officials, state chairmen, secretaries, and other stakeholders.
LP NEC accused Governor Otti of organizing unlawful stakeholder meetings, usurping NEC’s constitutional responsibilities, and organising local government elections under the banner of another political party.
The committee further attacked a “illegally constituted caretaker committee” reportedly supported by Governor Otti and Peter Obi during a stakeholder meeting on September 4, 2024 in Umuahia, Abia State.
The party leadership voiced deep worry about Governor Otti’s plans to hold a separate NEC and stakeholders meeting on April 9, 2025, describing the move as a premeditated attempt to factionalise the party.
“NEC in session stated that it would not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution,” according to the communiqué.
“The NWC has been empowered to take appropriate disciplinary action should he proceed with the illegal gathering,” the Communist Party said.
Peter Obi, largely seen as the Labour Party’s face before and after the 2023 presidential election, was also warned against taking activities that could undermine party unity.
The NEC cautioned that additional unconstitutional behavior will result in “steeper penalties,” regardless of their status within the party.
Similarly, the party stated that Hon. Afam Victor Ogene would be replaced as Labour Party caucus leader in the House of Representatives.
According to the NEC, the caucus leadership had grown ineffectual, failing to defend the party’s principles and programs in the lower chamber. Hon. Ben Etanabene has been appointed as Ogene’s replacement.
“All financial records and party contributions must be turned over to the new caucus leader,” the communique stated, adding that the National Working Committee would notify the appropriate authorities of the change.
Despite the crisis, the LP NEC reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality leadership to Nigerians under the National Chairmanship of Hon Julius Abure. It pledged governance, security, economic development, infrastructure, and the judicial system reforms.
