Labour Party: Abure-led NEC meeting sacks Hon Ogene, names Hon Etanabene NASS caucus leader

• Condemns Otti/Obi alleged “anti-party” activities

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Julius Abure-led National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party, meeting on Monday, April 7, in Abuja, removed Honourable Victor Adam Ogene as leader of the party’s House of Representatives Caucus, appointing Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene in his place.

The decision emerged from a 10-point resolution issued after the NEC meeting at the party’s national secretariat, which also criticised Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi for alleged anti-party activities.

In the resolution signed by Abure, the NEC expressed satisfaction with a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the party’s authority over its internal affairs. “The court asserted the supremacy of the party…and did not sack the NWC leadership,” Abure stated, referencing the 27 March 2024 Nnewi National Convention that re-elected him as National Chairman. The NEC reaffirmed confidence in the current National Working Committee (NWC) to lead the party to victory in future elections.

The NEC strongly condemned the “illegal” caretaker committee formed by Otti and Obi during a 4 September 2024 stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, citing Article 14(4)(B) of the party constitution, which grants the National Secretary, with the Chairman’s approval, sole authority to call meetings.

It accused Otti of usurping NEC powers, conducting local elections under another party, and planning an unauthorised NEC meeting for Wednesday, 9 April 2025, allegedly to factionalise the party ahead of a potential 2027 governorship bid elsewhere. “His anti-party activities…can no longer be acceptable,” the resolution read, threatening disciplinary action under Article 19.

The NEC also warned Obi against actions undermining party unity, promising “stiffer penalties” if found culpable, and vowed to discipline any member violating the constitution. Regarding Ogene’s removal, the NEC cited “dereliction of duty”, replacing him with Etanabene as caucus leader.

The resolution concluded with a pledge to Nigerians: “Labour Party is willing to provide good governance, security, economic growth, infrastructure development, a robust electoral system, and an independent judiciary if given the mandate.” It positioned the LP as a party with strong internal democracy, distinct from others.