Labour Party Crisis Deepens: Abure Probe Commences as Kingibe, Others Face Suspension

The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) intensified on Wednesday as the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, backed by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, announced the commencement of an investigation into “numerous allegations of corruption and forgery” against embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Usman disclosed that a disciplinary committee had been constituted to probe the allegations and recommend necessary sanctions if Abure is found guilty. The committee is chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, with LP chieftain Peter Ameh serving as secretary.

“After a careful and comprehensive review of the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, the National Executive Council is deeply concerned by the subsequent actions of Julius Abure, particularly his continued impersonation of the esteemed office of the National Chairman of the Labour Party,” Usman stated. She emphasized that Abure had 48 hours to respond to the allegations or face disciplinary measures.

Disciplinary Action Looms Amidst Fresh Allegations

Usman further warned that the formal notice of disciplinary actions would be dispatched to Abure’s last known address. She urged him to prioritize clearing his name rather than dragging the party’s reputation into disrepute. “Rather than tarnish the image of the party further, he is advised to deploy his time and attention to addressing the serious allegations of corruption, forgery, perjury, and criminal conspiracy pending against him,” she declared.

In addition to the probe, the caretaker committee denounced Abure’s recent attempt to sanction Governor Otti, labeling it invalid and unauthorized. “It is important to make clear that Abure and his expired National Working Committee lack the legal or moral authority to take disciplinary action against Dr Alex Otti or any member of the Labour Party,” Usman affirmed. She also extended an apology to both Peter Obi and Governor Otti over what she described as the “uncouth and irresponsible remarks” made by the suspended chairman.

Abure’s Faction Hits Back with Suspensions

In a swift countermeasure, Abure’s faction convened a separate National Executive Council meeting where they announced the suspension of Governor Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowumi for alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Abure said, “NEC reviewed the anti-party activities of Dr Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, and other erring members and consequently set up a disciplinary committee.” He noted that the committee was given two weeks to submit its report, emphasizing the faction’s commitment to peace and reconciliation within the Labour party. “We again extend an olive branch to all aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords in the overall interest of the party and our dear nation,” he added.

The disciplinary committee under Abure’s leadership comprises Dr Ayo Olorunfemi as chairman, Alhaji Umar Farouk as secretary, along with Kehinde Edun, Mrs Dudu Manuga, and Callistus Ihejiagwa as members.

Suspension Ratified as Leadership Battle Escalates

Later on Wednesday, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, announced that the disciplinary committee had completed its work and submitted its report. “The National Executive of the party met today, May 7, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee,” Farouk said.

Consequently, the suspension of Otti, Kingibe, Nwokocha, Ogene, Ogah, and Sowunmi from all party activities was made effective immediately. The decision further entrenches divisions within the party, raising questions about the legality and legitimacy of actions taken by both factions.

Addressing questions about Nenadi Usman’s status, Farouk clarified that she was not a registered member of the Labour Party. “We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support Group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” he added.

Future of Labour Party Hangs in the Balance

As the leadership tussle deepens, analysts warn that the protracted internal conflict could undermine the Labour Party’s stability ahead of national elections. With each faction claiming legitimacy and issuing parallel suspensions, the party faces a credibility crisis that may affect its electoral fortunes.

Observers have expressed concern over the absence of a unifying figure capable of bridging the widening rifts. “Unless urgent steps are taken to reconcile the factions, the Labour Party risks alienating its support base and losing its momentum as a formidable political alternative,” a political analyst noted.

Meanwhile, party stakeholders and supporters across the country await further developments, hoping for a resolution that will safeguard the Labour party’s integrity and unity. The battle for control of the Labour Party’s leadership, however, appears far from over.