The ongoing internal rift within the Labour Party has taken a new turn as the Julius Abure-led faction issued a stern warning to suspend and possibly expel Afam Ogene, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made the threat in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, accusing Mr Ogene of gross misconduct, including possession of what the faction described as a “classified document” allegedly sourced from the offices of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
“He is expected to contribute in making laws in the National Assembly. How come he is now privy to classified documents from the IGP and AGF’s office?” Mr Ifoh queried, suggesting that the lawmaker may have obtained the documents through questionable means.
The statement, which appears to intensify the internal power tussle within the opposition party, reflects the heightening tension between loyalists of the embattled Labour Party chairman, Julius Abure, and other dissenting factions. Mr Ogene, who was elected under the Labour Party platform, has recently been vocal in his criticism of the party’s leadership following its unresolved internal crises.
Mr Ifoh did not mince words in questioning Mr Ogene’s performance in office and his loyalty to the party, stating that he had “failed in his responsibility to effectively lead the Labour Party caucus in the National Assembly.” According to him, this failure led to his suspension from the party and the subsequent escalation of his criticisms.
“He has been suspended from the party for his incapability to lead the party caucus in NASS,” Mr Ifoh said, attributing the lawmaker’s recent outbursts to bitterness over the Supreme Court’s verdict which upheld Mr Abure’s leadership.
“He and his sponsors had expected that by now, Abure’s leadership would have been terminated but they were surprised at the Supreme Court ruling, which put paid to their evil intentions,” he added.
The spokesperson went further to accuse Mr Ogene of attempting to “cyber-bully” both state institutions and the party. “It is unfortunate that someone elected to serve the people would stoop so low as to drag the police, the Attorney-General, and the party into a smear campaign,” Mr Ifoh said.
Under Nigeria’s legal framework, the possession and dissemination of classified government documents without proper authorisation is a serious offence. Section 97(2) of the Criminal Code Act stipulates that any public servant who, without proper authority, abstracts or copies any official document is guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for one year. This provision underscores the government’s stance on maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
In July 2024, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, reiterated this position by warning that unauthorised disclosure of official documents is a punishable offence. He emphasised that such actions could negatively impact the country and that there is no defence for such disclosures, either in the Constitution or the Freedom of Information Act.
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However, Nigeria has made efforts to protect individuals who expose wrongdoing. The Whistleblower Protection Bill, passed by the Senate in July 2017, aims to encourage and facilitate the disclosure of improper conduct by public officers and bodies. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who make such disclosures are protected from reprisals and that the matters disclosed are properly investigated.
Despite these legislative efforts, challenges remain. The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has highlighted the need for a comprehensive whistleblower protection law. They note that, in the absence of such legislation, whistleblowers often face retaliation, including dismissals, threats, and even physical violence.
Furthermore, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Policy Bill to bolster the fight against corruption. The ICPC emphasises the pivotal role of whistleblowers in anti-corruption efforts and the necessity of proper frameworks to ensure their protection.
In practice, the tension between maintaining national security through the protection of classified information and promoting transparency via whistleblower disclosures remains a complex issue in Nigeria. While the legal framework criminalises unauthorised access to classified documents, the protection of whistleblowers who act in the public interest is still evolving.
Meanwhile, the Abure-led Labour Party is not only threatening disciplinary measures but is also pushing for Mr Ogene’s recall from the National Assembly.
“We will also institute his recall from his constituency because he is a disservice to the people of his constituency,” Mr Ifoh declared.
The party’s constitution allows for disciplinary actions, including recall procedures, against erring members. According to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), constituents have the legal right to initiate a recall of their representative through a petition signed by more than half of registered voters in the constituency. The process must then be verified and conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, legal experts note that while the provision exists, it requires substantial grassroots mobilisation and credible evidence of loss of public confidence, making it a rarely utilised constitutional tool.
The standoff between Mr Ogene and the Labour Party’s leadership comes on the heels of a broader identity crisis within the party, which rose to national prominence during the 2023 general elections. Since then, multiple factions have emerged, each laying claim to the party’s structure and leadership, leading to legal battles and political uncertainty.
Despite a series of court rulings including a Supreme Court judgment affirming Mr Abure’s leadership, analysts note that internal unity remains elusive, and the party risks alienating both its base and elected members unless internal reforms and reconciliation are prioritised.
Mr Ogene is yet to issue a formal response to the latest allegations.
