…Usman-led faction summons Abure over alleged corruption, fund mismanagement, others
…Gives Abure 48 hours to defend himself
The Labour Party is facing a deepening internal crisis as the faction led by Julius Abure announced the indefinite suspension of six prominent members, including the party’s sole sitting governor, Dr Alex Otti of Abia State.
The other suspended individuals include Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi. The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Farouk, the disciplinary action follows a thorough process that was triggered by allegations of anti-party activities. He pointed out that on May 2, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party had established a five-member Disciplinary Committee to investigate these allegations, including those against Governor Otti and others.
“The committee, led by Deputy National Chairman Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, was tasked with investigating Dr Alex Otti, the Abia State governor, and other party members over allegations of engaging in activities detrimental to the party,” Farouk explained in the statement.
He continued that after the committee concluded its investigation and submitted its findings, the party leadership ratified the recommendations, resulting in the suspension of the members.
“These individuals will no longer represent the party in any capacity,” Farouk added, urging institutions such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies to take note of the decision.
In addition to the suspensions, the Labour Party distanced itself from Nenadi Usman, clarifying that she is not a registered member but rather a supporter of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
The statement made clear, “We recognise her as a member of the Obidient Support Group, which worked for the party’s presidential candidate in 2023. Therefore, she will not be subject to any sanctions as she is not a member of the party.”
In a more surprising development, the party raised questions about Usman’s integrity, stating, “She should explain to Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, her properties across Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, and her plantations. Nenadi Usman is in no position to initiate any investigation or speak on corruption.”
The statement also reaffirmed the Labour Party’s stance on political alliances, asserting its rejection of any proposed coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The party has firmly decided against any coalition, as we believe that the individuals advocating for it lack the capacity, character, and competence to manage such an arrangement,” it stated.
The Labour Party emphasised that it intends to contest the 2027 elections independently, rejecting any future discussions on political mergers.
The latest development is part of an ongoing power struggle within the party, with rival factions jostling for control as the 2027 elections approach.
In a parallel move, Nenadi Usman has launched her own probe into Julius Abure, accusing him of corruption, misappropriating party funds, and engaging in anti-party activities.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Usman claimed that Abure had continued to present himself as the national chairman of the party despite being removed from the position. She also accused him of running the Labour Party like a personal business to fulfil selfish ambitions.
Usman revealed that a disciplinary panel, led by Senator Ireti Kingibe and with Peter Ameh as secretary, had been set up to investigate the charges against Abure. The committee will also recommend any necessary disciplinary actions should the allegations be proven true.
Usman further criticised Abure for his failure to conduct party congresses at various levels, which, she argued, had allowed the hijacking of the party’s structures. She insisted that restoring internal democracy was a priority, with the committee aiming to establish a clear timetable for the upcoming congresses and elections.
In a bid to swiftly address the matter, Usman gave Abure 48 hours to stop presenting himself as the party leader or face disciplinary consequences.
“The disciplinary panel has 21 days to complete its investigation and make appropriate recommendations,” she stated.
This latest move follows the suspension of several party members by Abure’s faction, including Governor Otti, over similar allegations of anti-party activities.
Both factions have referenced the April 4 Supreme Court ruling to support their respective claims to the party’s leadership, with Abure’s camp arguing that the judgment affirmed his position as national chairman, while Usman’s caretaker committee contends that it marked the expiration of his tenure.
The Labour Party remains in turmoil, with each faction intensifying its efforts to solidify control in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
