The Labour Party (LP) has plunged deeper into internal turmoil, with both major factions escalating their battle for control through suspensions and disciplinary actions that threaten to tear the party apart ahead of future elections.
In a dramatic twist on Wednesday, the faction loyal to embattled National Chairman Julius Abure announced the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, alongside several federal lawmakers.
Those affected include Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi.
The suspension was made public through a statement issued by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the faction’s National Secretary.
He disclosed that the decision followed the recommendations of a five-man disciplinary panel, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi, which was inaugurated on May 2 to investigate allegations of anti-party activities.
“The National Executive Council has ratified the recommendations of the disciplinary panel. These individuals are hereby suspended from the Labour Party and can no longer represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity,”
Farouk stated. He added that relevant bodies, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies, had been duly notified of the suspension.
However, in what appears to be a retaliatory move, the rival LP caretaker committee led by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, has also intensified its offensive against Abure.
At a press conference in Abuja on the same day, Usman summoned Abure to appear before a disciplinary panel over allegations of corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party conduct.
Usman accused Abure of “running the party like a personal enterprise,” and flouting internal processes by refusing to conduct congresses at various levels.
She also alleged that despite being ousted by the Supreme Court, Abure continues to “parade himself illegally” as the national chairman—a situation she said undermines party discipline and unity.
“To address these serious issues, we have constituted a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe and with Peter Ameh as secretary.
The panel has been given 21 days to conclude its investigation and recommend necessary sanctions,” she said, adding that Abure has 48 hours to stop claiming the party’s leadership or face consequences.
The caretaker chairperson further dismissed the suspension actions taken by Abure’s camp, stating that they hold no legitimacy since Abure “is no longer recognised as the party’s leader.”
She also clarified that she was not among those suspended because, according to Abure’s faction, she is not a card-carrying member of the Labour Party—an assertion she dismissed as political mischief.
At the heart of the leadership tussle is a controversial Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, which both factions interpret differently.
Abure’s supporters argue that the ruling reaffirmed his chairmanship, while the caretaker committee insists it marked the end of his tenure.