Mathew Amaechi
In a seismic shakeup that has sent suprises through Nigeria’s political landscape, the Julius Abure faction of the Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday announced the indefinite suspension of six high-profile members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, and three federal lawmakers, over allegations of anti-party activities.
The party’s National Executive Council (NEC) ratified the decision following a probe by a five-member Disciplinary Committee tasked on May 2, 2025, with investigating claims of misconduct. The suspended members—Governor Otti, Senators Nwokocha (Abia Central) and Kingibe (FCT), alongside House of Representatives members Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi—are barred immediately from all party activities.
In a terse statement signed by National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the LP cited “exhaustive deliberations” in line with its constitution, confirming the NEC’s adoption of the committee’s recommendations. “The suspension takes immediate effect,” the statement declared, emphasizing the party’s resolve to clamp down on internal dissent.
The Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, reportedly uncovered evidence of actions “detrimental to the party’s unity and objectives,” though specifics of the alleged anti-party conduct remain undisclosed. The move comes amid rising tensions within the LP, which has struggled to maintain cohesion following its surge in prominence during the 2023 elections.
The party also addressed the conspicuous absence of Nenadi Usman, a vocal supporter of the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, from the suspension list. Dismissing her as a non-member, the LP stated Usman belongs to the “Obidient Support Group” and lacks formal registration.
It further launched scathing criticisms against her, referencing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and questioning the origins of her assets, including a Kaduna radio station and foreign holdings.
“Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement asserted, signaling a combative stance toward external critics.
Reaffirming its political strategy, the LP ruled out joining any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We intend to prosecute the 2027 polls as a stand-alone party. No further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded, doubling down on its commitment to independence despite recent internal fractures.
The suspensions have sparked fierce debate, with supporters of the affected members decrying the move as politically motivated. Governor Otti, elected in 2023 on a wave of anti-establishment sentiment, has yet to comment. Senators Nwokocha and Kingibe, both influential figures in their regions, are similarly silent, though allies suggest legal challenges may follow.
