The internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee announced the commencement of a probe into corruption and forgery allegations against the party’s embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Usman, who is backed by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said a disciplinary committee had been set up to investigate Abure’s conduct. The committee is chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe and has LP chieftain Peter Ameh as secretary.
Usman accused Abure of impersonating the office of National Chairman despite the Supreme Court’s April 4 ruling, and gave him 48 hours to respond to allegations or face sanctions.
“In line with due process, the NEC has constituted an investigative committee to review the actions of Mr. Abure. A formal notice will be sent to his last known address. He is advised to focus on addressing the serious allegations of corruption, forgery, perjury, and conspiracy pending against him,” Usman stated.
She also dismissed Abure’s recent attempt to sanction Governor Otti as “illegal and baseless,” claiming the former chairman had no authority to issue such disciplinary threats.
“It is important to note that Abure and his expired NWC lack the moral and legal authority to take action against Governor Otti or any member of the Labour Party,” she added, offering an apology to Otti and Obi for Abure’s recent “uncouth” comments.
In a swift reaction, Abure’s faction of the party fired back, announcing the suspension of Governor Otti and six others — including Senators Ireti Kingibe and Darlington Nwokocha, Reps Victor Afam Ogene and Amobi Ogah, and party official Seyi Sowunmi — for alleged anti-party activities.
Abure, in a statement, confirmed the formation of a separate disciplinary panel headed by Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, with a two-week deadline to investigate the suspended members. Other committee members include Alhaji Umar Farouk, Kehinde Edun, Dudu Manuga, and Callistus Ihejiagwa.
Later on Wednesday, Farouk, who serves as National Secretary in Abure’s camp, issued a statement confirming the indefinite suspension of the seven party members following the ratification of the disciplinary panel’s findings.
“The National Executive met on May 7 and, after extensive deliberation, approved the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee. The suspension of the listed members is effective immediately,” Farouk declared.
Responding to questions on Nenadi Usman’s leadership role, the Abure faction dismissed her authority, claiming she is not a registered LP member but rather a member of the Obidient support movement.
“We will not dignify her with sanctions. She is not a card-carrying member of the Labour Party,” Farouk said.
The escalating power struggle has thrown the Labour Party into deeper turmoil, raising questions about its internal cohesion and ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.
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