Labour party suspends Otti, Kingibe, four others

DDM News

The Labour Party (LP) has announced the indefinite suspension of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and five other prominent members.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that those affected include Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

The party said their suspension followed allegations of anti-party activities, which were investigated by an internal disciplinary panel.

This development marks a significant shift in the internal dynamics of the Labour Party, which gained national prominence in the 2023 general elections.

The LP, under the banner of its presidential candidate Peter Obi, emerged as a major political force, challenging the dominance of Nigeria’s two biggest parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The suspension of these key figures signals growing tension and internal strife within the party, as it prepares for future elections.

On May 2, 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party constituted a five-member Disciplinary Committee to address concerns over alleged disloyalty and internal sabotage.

The committee was headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi.

Other members included the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, and three unnamed individuals.

The committee was tasked with probing the activities of Governor Otti and other party members accused of breaching party discipline.

After completing its investigation, the committee submitted a detailed report to the national leadership of the party.

The NEC reconvened on May 7, 2025, to deliberate on the findings of the disciplinary committee.

Following what the party described as an exhaustive deliberation, the NEC ratified the recommendations of the panel.

In a statement released by the National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party formally announced the suspension of the six members.

The statement noted that the suspension was with immediate effect and would remain indefinite.

According to the LP, the suspended members are no longer authorized to represent the party or act on its behalf in any capacity.

The statement urged institutions such as the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and relevant security agencies to take note of the decision.

The party stressed that the action was taken in accordance with the Labour Party’s constitution and disciplinary guidelines.

In a separate development, the party addressed concerns over the omission of Nenadi Usman’s name from the suspension list.

It explained that Nenadi Usman is not and has never been a registered member of the Labour Party.

The LP clarified that while Usman was associated with the Obidient Support Group that supported the party during the 2023 elections, she never held official membership status.

The party added that Ms. Usman has since declared her loyalty to another political party, alongside a former Kaduna State governor.

As a result, the Labour Party stated that it could not issue sanctions against someone who was not its member.

Despite this clarification, the party launched a scathing attack on Usman, accusing her of moral hypocrisy.

It called her the “head mistress of corruption” and questioned her right to speak on issues of integrity and accountability.

The party alleged that Usman had entered into a plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption charges.

It challenged her to publicly disclose the terms of her plea bargain, the properties she allegedly forfeited, and the sources of her wealth.

The LP also questioned how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, her numerous properties in Nigeria and abroad, as well as her companies in Cameroon.

According to the party, such a background disqualifies Usman from commenting on issues of transparency and governance.

The statement also touched on the party’s financial health and accountability.

It claimed that the Labour Party’s financial records had been thoroughly audited and found to be in excellent order.

INEC, the nation’s electoral commission, reportedly sent external auditors who confirmed the transparency of the party’s finances.

According to the LP, INEC even commended the party for its financial management.

The party noted that it ranked among the most transparent political organizations in the country.

It emphasized that its accounts had been published and made available for public scrutiny.

On the subject of coalition politics, the Labour Party reiterated its refusal to enter into any form of alliance or merger with other political groups.

The statement emphasized that the party would contest the 2027 general elections as an independent entity.

It rejected any proposal to merge with other parties, saying such efforts were being pushed by people lacking integrity, competence, and leadership ability.

According to the Labour Party, those proposing the coalition had failed to manage even a single political party and could not be trusted to lead a complex alliance.

The LP declared that it would not entertain further discussions on the matter of coalition politics.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its internal structures and preparing for electoral success in 2027.

It described the suspension of its members as a step toward discipline and internal reorganization.

The Labour Party also called on its supporters and members nationwide to remain focused and loyal to the party’s mission.

It said its goal remains to offer credible alternatives to Nigerian voters and to build a party rooted in accountability and integrity.

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