A faction of the Labour Party headed by Julius Abure, has indefinitely suspended Abia State Governor Alex Otti; senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe; and four others, with immediate effect.

In a statement on Wednesday, the faction said the decision followed recommendations by a five-man disciplinary committee headed by the deputy national chairman, Ayo Olorunfemi; the national secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim; and three others, set up on May 2, 2025, to investigate allegations of anti-party activities.

The statement signed by Mr Ibrahim stated, “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr. Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.’’

Mr Nwokocha is senate minority whip representing Abia Central; Mr Ogene is House of Representatives member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State; Mr Ogah is a member representing Isuikwato/Umuneochi Federal Constituency, Abia; while Mr Sowumi represents Ojo Federal Constituency, Lagos.

The faction, which also stated that the caretaker chairman, Nenadi Usman, was not suspended because she was not a member of the party, claimed that the former senator was not able to accuse anyone of corruption considering her history with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

It said, “It will surprise Nigerians and party faithful that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card-carrying member of the 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.

“The party leadership is also surprised that Nenadi Usman is talking about corruption when indeed she is the headmistress of corruption. Nigerians are already aware of all the EFCC cases against her, and we expect Ms Usman to come out and explain to Nigerians the story behind her plea bargain with EFCC and all the property she allegedly forfeited. She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her property over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption.’’

The faction insisted that it was not interested in joining the proposed coalition by opposition political parties and groups, stating that those driving the merger lack the capacity, character and competence to make such a political arrangement. 

“These are people who have failed to manage one political party, how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a standalone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the Abure faction reiterated.