Labour Party suspends Gov Otti, Sen Kingibe, four other lawmakers

The leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Wednesday as the party announced the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and five lawmakers from the National Assembly over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspended lawmakers include Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

According to a statement by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, National Secretary of the Julius Abure-led faction, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) ratified the suspension following the submission of a disciplinary report.

The five-member committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, was tasked with investigating allegations of anti-party conduct. After deliberations on May 7, the NEC upheld the committee’s recommendations, imposing indefinite suspension on the individuals concerned.

“These individuals will no longer represent the party in any capacity,” the statement said, directing institutions such as the Nigeria Governors Forum, National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies to take note.

The party also addressed the omission of Nenadi Usman, named as caretaker committee chairman by a rival faction aligned with Peter Obi. The LP stated that Usman is not a card-carrying member and, therefore, not subject to disciplinary action.

The statement went further to accuse Usman of lacking moral standing to speak on corruption, citing ongoing EFCC cases and her alleged assets.

On the broader political front, the Labour Party reaffirmed its stance against any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are not interested in any coalition,” the statement read. “Those pushing the agenda lack the capacity and integrity to manage a unified platform. Labour Party will contest the 2027 elections independently.”