KEY POINTS
- Governor Alex Otti and five other lawmakers were suspended indefinitely by Labour Party.
- This includes disciplinary action on allegations of anti party activities.
- Party reiterates commitment to stay all by itself, and create a coalition before the 2027 elections.
In suspending six prominent members, the group headed by Julius Abure is the Julius Abure faction of the Labour Party, suspends the party’s only elected governor, Alex Otti in Abia state.
The party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, who made the announcement, said he had sacked Akinjide because of the allegations of anti-party activities against him.
Disciplinary panel submits findings
Farouk said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on 2 May 2025, set up a five(5) member Disciplinary Committee to investigate plaintiff and other members. He and those of the committee under the chairmanship of Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi were also there.
Farouk said the committee completed its work and submitted it report. After a series of meetings, the NEC ratified the recommendation to suspend the following members: Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.”
The party said the members are now barred to act for the party, and the party calls on the Nigeria Governors Forum and INEC to take note of their suspension
Labour party suspends but Nenadi Usman wasn’t part
Farouk said the Labour Party did not suspend Nenadi Usman because she is not a registered member, even though she has been at the center of public scrutiny.
The statement said she is part of the Obidient Support Group but never joined the party.” ‘We are not going to dignify her by applying sanctions.’
It also alleged questionable acquisitions of properties and businesses both in and outside Nigeria by Usman, accusing him of being lacking in moral authority to talk about corruption.
Labour party says forget coalition plans in run up to 2027 elections
It reiterated the party’s stance on political independence and said that Labour will not go into coalition or merger with any political entity as it prepares for 2027 general elections.
The statement said: ‘We’re not entertaining overtures for a coalition.’ ‘Its supporters lack the character and competence to lead in such an effort.’ “In 2027 we are prosecuting our elections as a standalone party,” he said.