The crisis in the Labour Party (LP) has worsened as two rival factions fight for control of the party’s leadership.
On Wednesday, the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman said it had started investigating the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, over allegations of corruption, forgery, and misconduct.
Usman, who addressed journalists in Abuja, said the committee is supported by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. She revealed that Senator Ireti Kingibe is leading the disciplinary panel that will probe Abure’s actions.
Usman said, “After reviewing the Supreme Court’s judgment, the National Executive Council is concerned about Abure’s continued impersonation of the National Chairman. We have set up a special committee to look into his actions, which are damaging the party’s image.”
She said Abure has 48 hours to respond to the accusations or face disciplinary action. “Rather than dragging the party’s image into more disgrace, he should focus on addressing the serious allegations of corruption, forgery, and criminal conspiracy pending against him,” she added.
Usman also dismissed Abure’s attempt to sanction Governor Otti, calling it “invalid” and lacking legal backing.
She said, “Abure and his expired National Working Committee have no right to discipline Dr. Otti or any party member. We apologise to Peter Obi and Governor Otti for the disrespectful comments made by the suspended Abure.”
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But Abure, in a counter move, announced the suspension of Otti, Senator Kingibe, and five others for alleged anti-party activities. In a separate meeting, his faction said it had formed a disciplinary committee to investigate them.
Abure said, “The NEC reviewed the actions of Governor Otti and others, and we have set up a disciplinary committee to look into the matter. We still want peace and urge all members to work for the unity of the party.”
A statement later released by the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, confirmed the suspension of the seven members with immediate effect. The statement listed Otti, Kingibe, Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi as those suspended.
Farouk also said Usman is not a registered party member. “She belongs to the Obidient Support Group and not the Labour Party. Therefore, we won’t issue her any sanction,” he stated.