From Sola Ojo, Abuja

As leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) lingers, the Julius Abure-led leadership of the party, yesterday, suspended the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and five others, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah and Seyi Sowunmi

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the faction loyal to Abure had on May 2 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  Governor Alex Otti and other party members for anti-party activities.

Factional national secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, yesterday, said the committee had concluded its assignment and had submitted its report to the party leadership.

“The NEC of the party met today, May 7, 2025 and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the party’s constitution has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the disciplinary committee.

“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, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah and 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.

On the caretaker committee headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, he said: “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party.

“First, we have said repeatedly that the said Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party since she is 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 because she is 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’s loyalty lies.

“The party leadership is also surprised that she 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 her to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her plea bargain with the EFCC and all the property 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. Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” he said.

On the financial status of the party so far, Umar said the party’s financial records were straight, adding that the 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’s financial records was adjudged to be among the best,” he narrated.

He, however, reiterated that the party was not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger.

“As 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.

“The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”