- Abure suspends Gov Otti, Sen Kingibe, others indefinitely
- Caretaker committee counters, probes him for corruption, misconduct
By Orkula Shaagee
There appears to be no end in sight soon to the lingering crisis in the Labour Party (LP), as the two factions claiming control of the party’s machinery yesterday traded tackles, taking drastic actions against each other.
The Julius Abure led faction announced the indefinite suspension of the only serving governor on its platform, Alex Otti of Abia State, as well as Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi.
But scarcely had the Abure faction struck when the other faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman countered with an investigative panel, to probe Abure for corruption, misconduct and anti party activities.
The Abure faction had said it suspended the listed chieftains following the report of a panel set up to investigate them for alleged anti-party activities.
On May 2, 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 Otti and other party members over allegations of anti party activities.
The Disciplinary Committee concluded its assignment and submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met yesterday and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers given to it by the Party Constitution ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement, Ibrahim, LP’s National Secretary, said: “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, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
“By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note,” he said.
LP also insisted that Nenadi Usman’s name is not on the list because she is not a member of the party.
“It will surprise Nigerians and party faithfuls that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party.
“First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card carrying member of the Party. 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.
“Again, we are aware that Ms Usman recently in a well televised occasion, in cohort with a former Kaduna state governor joined another political party where she pledged loyalty to the party. We are clearly confused where Usman Nenadi’s loyalty lies.
“The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the head mistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her Plea Bargain with EFCC and all the properties she allegedly forfeited. 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.
“In any event, the party’s financial records are straight and it will interest the members of the public to know that the party’s audited account has been published. INEC being the regulatory body sent their external auditors to audit the party’s account and they gave a clean report and as well commended the party for its financial transparency.
It is on record that among the comity of Political Parties in Nigeria, Labour Party financial records was adjudged to be among the best.
“Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger. Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition; those driving the agenda lack the capacity, the character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement.
“These are people who have failed to manage one political party, how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests. Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement said..
- LP caretaker committee probes Abure over alleged misconduct
Meanwhile, the other faction of the Labour Party (LP), led by Senator Usman, has commenced investigating Abure over allegations of misconduct, corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party activities.
At a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Senator Usman accused Abure of parading himself as the national chairman of the party despite the fact that his tenure has expired, and of running the Labour Party as a personal enterprise to pursue selfish ambitions.
She stated that rather than fostering unity, Abure has allegedly exploited his position for personal enrichment. The caretaker committee criticized Abure’s alleged hijacking of party structures and not following due process, saying he failed to conduct ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses ahead of a national convention.
To address these allegations, the caretaker committee set up a disciplinary panel, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary.
The panel is tasked with investigating the allegations against Abure and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.
The committee has summoned Abure to appear before the disciplinary panel to respond to various petitions and charges brought against him.
The Nenadi Usman-led faction pledged to restore internal democracy, announcing that a timetable for proper congresses and the election of national executives will be released soon.