The National Executive Committee of the Labour Party, under the leadership of Comrade Julius Abure, has issued a stern warning to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over what it described as plans to convene an “illegal” stakeholders meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
This was part of the resolutions reached during the NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The communique, read by the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Umar Farouk, also warned the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, against any actions or comments that could breed disunity within the party.
“NEC in session in the exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue a stiffer penalty if found culpable,” Farouk stated.
The NEC also announced the removal of Hon. Afam Ogene as leader of the party’s caucus in the House of Representatives, citing dereliction of duty. He has been replaced by Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene.
In the communique, Farouk emphasised that the party would no longer tolerate anti-party activities from any member regardless of their position or influence. The NEC reaffirmed Julius Abure’s leadership and the legitimacy of the National Working Committee elected during the party’s national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on March 27, 2024.
“Accordingly, NEC in session reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on the 27th of March 2024 that produced the current National Working Committee members under the chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure,” he said.
NEC condemned the formation of a Caretaker Committee by Governor Otti and Peter Obi during a stakeholders meeting held on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia, describing it as illegal.
“The Supreme Court admonished party leaders and members of the party to always abide by the constitution of the party. NEC noted that Article 14 (4)(B) gives the power to call meetings only to the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman. Accordingly, NEC warned all members to abide by the constitution of the party,” the statement read.
On Governor Otti, NEC noted several alleged anti-party activities including unauthorised meetings and use of another political party for conducting local government elections in Abia State.
“NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Gov. Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorized Stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC. He also conducted the LGA Election using another Political Party. The Governor has also intensified his effort to factionalize the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC scheduled to hold on Wednesday,” the communique added.
It further claimed that Governor Otti was plotting to destroy the Labour Party’s structures ahead of a planned defection to another party to pursue his 2027 re-election bid.
“His anti-party activities is unbecoming of a highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable. NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution,” Farouk said.
The party also warned that it would not spare any other members who violate the constitution, regardless of their rank.
On the removal of Hon. Ogene, NEC cited his failure to represent the voice and interests of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives.
“NEC in session reviewed the activities of the House of Representatives Caucus leader, Honourable Victor Adam Ogene and wishes to note as follows: That the voice of the current leadership of the party is not being heard in the hallowed lower chambers; that there is a lack of cohesion amongst our members in the House; that the leadership appears to be compromised; and that the ideology and programs of the party are not well represented,” the communique stated.
“NEC in session, as a result of the aforementioned decided to relieve Honourable Ogene of that leadership role for dereliction of duty. Consequently, Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene has been appointed by the NEC in session as the Labour Party’s Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives.”
The NEC directed the NWC to officially communicate the decision to appropriate bodies and demanded Ogene immediately hand over all party property in his possession, including funds contributed by LP lawmakers, and render a full account to the party.
Earlier in his welcome address, National Chairman Julius Abure praised the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the party’s right to determine its internal affairs.
“Let me begin by extending our profound appreciation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its courageous and principled stance in affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs,” he said.
“In its judgement concerning the Labour Party, the apex court unequivocally reasserted that leadership disputes arising within a political party remain within the exclusive purview of the party’s constitution and governance structures.
“Accordingly, the Court declined jurisdiction in the appeal brought by Senator Nenadi Usman, thereby reinforcing the foundational principle of party autonomy.”
Abure condemned attempts by some party members to misrepresent the judgment and create confusion.
“It is, however, regrettable that certain actors, most notably Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, have chosen to misrepresent the ruling, deliberately misleading the public and attempting to manufacture confusion through a purported ‘Caretaker Committee.’ Let it be stated categorically: this so-called committee is both unconstitutional and illegitimate,” he said.
Abure reiterated that the Nnewi convention was constitutionally valid and backed by multiple court rulings. He affirmed there is no leadership vacuum in the party.
“Let it be known across the federation and beyond: there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party. The National Working Committee, under my chairmanship, remains the recognized and legitimate leadership body of our party. We shall not cede ground to illegitimate actors or unconstitutional contraptions posing as transition committees,” Abure declared.
