Labour Party crisis deepens as Abure-led faction suspends Governor Otti, others

Tensions have worsened within opposition Labour Party (LP) as a faction led by Julius Abure has announced the suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, along with several other lawmakers and senior party members in the state.

Those suspended include Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Abia Central), and three members of the House of Representatives: Afam Ogene (Anambra), Amobi Ogah (Abia), and Seyi Sowunmi (Lagos). A statement issued by the National Secretary of Abure’s group, Umar Farouk, said the suspensions followed recommendations from a disciplinary panel that looked into alleged misconduct.

The move has sparked strong reactions. Governor Otti brushed off the announcement, calling Abure “a clown in search of a crown.” The party’s National Caretaker Committee (NCC), led by Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman, rejected the suspensions and said it would launch its own investigation into Abure and his team.

This latest row adds to the Labour Party’s ongoing internal crisis, which has already led to several court cases. Despite advice from the Supreme Court urging both sides to settle their differences peacefully, the infighting continues. Otti and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, both back the Nenadi-Usman-led faction.

The situation is further complicated by claims from Lamidi Apapa, the party’s former Deputy National Chairman (South), who insists he is the rightful leader of the party. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which originally founded the party, also maintains it still holds the reins. NLC President Joe Ajaero recently said the union is preparing to formally take back control.

Farouk clarified that Nenadi-Usman was not suspended because she’s not officially a Labour Party member. He claimed she is now affiliated with another political party and only connected to LP through the Obidient movement that supported the party’s 2023 presidential campaign.

Farouk’s statement read: “After thorough review, the party has agreed to suspend the following individuals indefinitely: Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. They can no longer act on behalf of the party in any way.”

He also accused Nenadi-Usman of past corruption, citing an investigation by the EFCC, and questioned her credibility in criticising the current leadership.

Responding to reports that the NCC plans to probe the party’s finances, Farouk insisted that the Labour Party’s accounts have already been audited by external assessors appointed by INEC and passed as clean.

He also dismissed recent talks of forming a coalition with other opposition parties, saying Labour will contest the 2027 elections independently. He claimed those pushing for a coalition lacked the skills and trustworthiness to lead such an effort.

Meanwhile, Hon. Amobi Ogah laughed off his suspension, telling Abure to “learn real politics.” He reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Otti, saying, “Wherever my governor stands, I stand. Politics isn’t played with emotions.”

Afam Ogene, leader of the Labour caucus in the House, said he would respond the following day: “Let me give him space today. I’ll speak tomorrow.”