By Asuquo Cletus
The Labour Party has announced the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and five federal lawmakers over what it described as “anti-party activities.”
The suspended members include Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
The announcement was contained in a press statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the party’s National Executive Committee had on May 2 constituted a five-man disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of disloyalty and misconduct among some high-ranking members.
The panel, led by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, concluded its investigations and submitted its findings, which were ratified by the NEC during a meeting held on Tuesday.
“The following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities indefinitely and with immediate effects by this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party.”
The party further directed all relevant bodies including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to take note of the suspensions.
Nenadi Usman Not a Party Member – LP Clarifies
Addressing the status of former Minister Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party dismissed speculation about her role in the crisis, stating that she was never a card-carrying member of the party.
“We have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party. She is affiliated with the Obidient Support Group that backed our 2023 presidential candidate,” the party clarified.
The LP further alleged that Usman had recently pledged loyalty to another political party, questioning her political allegiance and accusing her of lacking the moral standing to comment on issues of corruption.
“Usman is the headmistress of corruption,” the statement claimed. “She should explain to Nigerians the terms of her plea bargain with the EFCC and the origin of her wealth, including properties in Nigeria and abroad.”
Labour Party Defends Financial Integrity, Rejects Coalition Talks
In a separate development, the party addressed questions surrounding its finances, asserting that its financial records were clean and transparent. According to the LP, external auditors commissioned by INEC had reviewed the party’s accounts and gave a clean bill of health.
“The Labour Party’s financial records were adjudged among the best by INEC,” the statement noted.
The party also used the opportunity to restate its stance against any form of coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The party is not interested in any overtures to go into coalition or merger,” the statement emphasized. “The proponents of such arrangements lack the capacity and competence to manage a multi-party alliance. Labour Party will contest the 2027 general election as a standalone party.”
