The Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday announced the
indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including the Governor of Abia
State, Dr. Alex Otti, over allegations of anti-party activities.
Others suspended include Senator Ireti Kingibe,
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon.
Seyi Sowunmi. The suspension, according to the party, takes immediate effect.
A statement signed by the party’s National Secretary,
Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the decision followed the report of a
disciplinary panel constituted by the party’s National Executive Committee
(NEC) on May 2, 2025. The panel was tasked with investigating allegations of
misconduct and was chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi.
The disciplinary committee submitted its report to the
NEC, which, after deliberating on May 7, ratified its recommendations.
“Consequent upon that, the following members of the
party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely
and with immediate effect,” Ibrahim said in the statement.
He added that by virtue of their suspension, the
affected members are no longer permitted to act on behalf of the Labour Party.
Relevant institutions, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, National
Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, have been notified.
The statement also addressed concerns over the absence
of Nenadi Usman’s name from the list of those suspended, clarifying that she is
not a member of the Labour Party.
“We have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman
was and is not a card-carrying member of the Labour Party,” Ibrahim said. “She
is known to be a member of the Obidient Support Group that campaigned for our
2023 presidential candidate but has no formal affiliation with the party.”
Ibrahim criticized Usman for her recent public
comments on corruption and alleged that she should address longstanding
corruption allegations against her, including a plea bargain with the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Ms. Usman lacks the moral standing to discuss
corruption,” the statement added, citing cases involving asset forfeitures and
questioning the source of her personal and corporate wealth.
On the issue of political mergers or coalitions ahead
of the 2027 general election, the party reiterated its position, distancing
itself from any such moves.
“Labour Party is not in discussion with any group or
individuals about a coalition or merger,” Ibrahim stated. “We intend to contest
the 2027 elections as an independent political platform.”
The leadership further dismissed proponents of a
merger, questioning their ability to manage cross-party alliances.
“Those advocating a coalition have neither the
character nor competence to manage a political arrangement beyond their own
internal affairs,” the statement concluded.
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