By OBSERVERS TIMES .
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against prominent members, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of “anti-party activities.”
This move by the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) follows an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national headquarters in Utako, Abuja, on Friday. The party alleges that Obi, Otti, and others have engaged in actions and decisions detrimental to the LP’s interests. These include purportedly aligning with other political forces to undermine the party and individuals presenting themselves as aspirants for political offices without the party’s official endorsement.
The NEC has mandated a newly formed disciplinary committee to investigate these allegations and submit a report within two weeks. The committee members are Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi (Chairman), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim (Secretary), Barr. Kehinde Edun (Member), Mrs. Dudu Manuga (Member), and Barr. Callistus Ihejiagwa (Member).
This development underscores the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party. Otti and Obi are aligned with a rival faction led by a National Caretaker Committee (NCC) headed by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman. The Usman-led NCC maintains that Abure is no longer the legitimate National Chairman, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.
While the Supreme Court’s April 2nd ruling set aside the lower courts’ recognition of Abure as chairman due to jurisdictional issues, both the Abure-led NWC and the Usman-led NCC have offered conflicting interpretations of the verdict.
The timing of the Abure-led NEC meeting coincides with Governor Otti’s appearance on Arise News, where he strongly criticized Abure, stating the chairman was “deceiving himself” regarding his position. Otti referenced the Supreme Court judgment as evidence against Abure’s continued leadership.
Responding to Otti’s remarks, Abure labeled the governor a “disappointment” and accused him of attempting to destabilize the party that facilitated his governorship. He also dismissed Otti’s understanding of the Supreme Court judgment.
Further addressing the political landscape, Abure stated that the LP under his leadership would not participate in any coalition talks, expressing skepticism about the capabilities of those driving such initiatives. He affirmed the party’s commitment to internal rebuilding and strategizing for the 2027 general elections.
Among other resolutions, the Abure-led NEC reaffirmed the notices issued for the party’s 2024 National Convention, its date and venue changes, and the ratification of ad-hoc delegates. The NEC also reiterated its confidence in the Abure-led NWC and its commitment to seeking reconciliation within the party. The communique also commended the Supreme Court’s stance on the supremacy of political parties’ decisions and extended an olive branch to aggrieved members.
