The Labour Party (LP) announced on May 7, 2025, the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi over allegations of anti-party activities. This decision followed the submission of a report by a five-member Disciplinary Committee, established by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on May 2, 2025, to investigate Otti and other members for purported misconduct.
The disciplinary panel, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi and including National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim, completed its assignment and recommended the suspensions, which were ratified by the NEC during a meeting on May 7. The suspended members are barred from acting on behalf of the party, and relevant institutions such as the Nigeria Governors Forum, National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies have been notified.
This suspension deepens an ongoing crisis within the Labour Party marked by factional disputes. While the Julius Abure-led faction imposed these suspensions, a rival faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman has simultaneously set up its own disciplinary panel to investigate Abure for alleged corruption and misconduct, accusing him of impersonation and mismanagement. Usman’s faction, which includes Governor Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, has rejected the legitimacy of Abure’s actions, describing the suspensions as invalid and politically motivated.
The party also clarified that Nenadi Usman’s name was omitted from the suspension list because she is not a registered member of the Labour Party but rather part of the Obidient Support Group linked to the 2023 presidential campaign. The party leadership challenged Usman to disclose details of her plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing her of lacking moral authority to lead probes into corruption.
The internal strife exposes deep divisions within the Labour Party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. Both factions have vowed to pursue their respective agendas, with calls for reconciliation amid accusations and counter-accusations. The party insists it will contest the upcoming elections as a standalone entity, rejecting coalition overtures from rival groups.
This ongoing power struggle threatens to undermine the Labour Party’s unity and electoral prospects, with key figures suspended and investigations into top leadership underway. The situation remains fluid as both factions mobilize support and prepare for further confrontations.