The Labour Party (LP) has indefinitely suspended Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Senators Ireti Kingibe and Darlington Nwokocha, as well as federal lawmakers Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, citing anti-party activities.
The decision, ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on May 7, 2025, follows investigations by a five-member disciplinary panel led by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi.
In a press statement signed by National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party directed institutions such as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, National Assembly, and INEC to recognize the suspension, barring the affected members from representing the party “in any capacity.”
The Labour Party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman, a former finance minister, from the suspension list, clarifying that she is not a registered member of the party but part of the Obidient Support Group linked to its 2023 presidential campaign.
The statement criticized Usman for recently defecting to another political party and questioned her credibility, urging her to publicly address her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and explain the acquisition of assets, including a radio station in Kaduna, overseas properties, and businesses in Cameroon.
The party defended its financial integrity, revealing that INEC auditors had reviewed and commended its accounts as “among the best” in transparency among Nigerian political parties.
It also rejected calls for coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing to contest independently. “Those pushing for a coalition lack the capacity, character, and competence to manage such an arrangement,” the statement read.
The disciplinary committee’s findings, which led to the suspensions, were endorsed by the NEC as part of efforts to curb internal dissent. The Labour Party emphasized its commitment to unity, warning that no further discussions on the suspensions or coalition proposals would be entertained.
The move signals a major shakeup within the party, particularly with the suspension of Otti, a sitting governor, raising questions about potential factional repercussions.
