Labour Party fractures as faction suspends Governor Otti, Senators Kingibe, Nwokocha and four MPs over alleged anti-party plots ahead of 2027.
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has delivered a seismic shock to Nigeria’s political landscape by indefinitely suspending six of its most prominent figures—including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Ireti Kingibe and Darlington Nwokocha—over alleged anti-party activities.
This dramatic purge, ratified on 7 May 2025 by the Party’s factional National Executive Council, exposes deep fractures within Labour ahead of the pivotal 2027 general elections and underscores a bitter struggle for control between Abure’s loyalists and rival camps led by Nenadi Usman’s caretaker committee.
The move not only sidelines critical voices but also sets the stage for accusations of autocracy, raises questions about the Party’s democratic credentials and jeopardises potential alliances as Labour vows to contest 2027 solo.
Background to the Crisis
Factional Power Struggle
Since Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential run, the Labour Party has been riven by rival power centres.
Julius Abure assumed leadership of the formally recognised National Executive Council (NEC), while Senator Nenadi Usman heads a caretaker committee claiming legitimacy under the party constitution.
Each faction has accused the other of procedural irregularities, undermining Labour’s once-cohesive image.
Disciplinary Committee and Its Findings
On 2 May 2025, Abure’s NEC appointed a five-man Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, to probe allegations of anti-party conduct against leading members.
After exhaustive hearings, the Committee recommended indefinite suspensions, a measure swiftly ratified on 7 May by Abure’s loyal NEC at its Abuja headquarters.
The Suspensions: Who and Why
The following members were suspended indefinitely, effective immediately:
- Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State.
- Senator Ireti Kingibe, FCT Senator.
- Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Abia South Senator.
- Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, House member for Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
- Hon. Amobi Ogah, House member.
- Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, House member for Ojo Federal Constituency.
The Party accused them of “anti-party activities”, citing alleged attempts to court rival coalitions and speak against NEC decisions.
In strikingly vitriolic language, the NEC warned INEC, security agencies and other institutions to “take note” that the suspended can no longer represent Labour.
Profiles of the Suspended
Dr. Alex Otti
An economist and philanthropist turned politician, Otti was elected Governor of Abia in March 2023 after a stellar banking career at Diamond Bank Plc.
His technocratic style and regional influence made him a rising star, but his purported overtures to opposition alliances allegedly breached party loyalties.
Senator Ireti Kingibe
A former civil servant, Kingibe joined Labour in 2022 and won the FCT senatorial seat in 2023, pledging her salary to rural development.
Known for her social-justice crusades, she reportedly clashed with NEC over alignment with other parties.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha
A seasoned politician from Abia South, Nwokocha’s suspension highlights the deepening rift in the South-East, where Labour had hoped to build on its 2023 momentum.
Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
An Anambra-born first-term federal lawmaker representing Ogbaru, Ogene has been vocal about constituency projects but was accused of undermining NEC directives.
Hon. Amobi Ogah and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi
Ogah and Sowunmi both emerged in 2023 under Labour’s banner but are now sidelined in the very Party that elevated them.
Sowunmi’s suspension is particularly sensational, given his status as Lagos Labour stalwart.
Political Implications and 2027 Prospects
Labour’s decision to bar suspended members from any Party activity effectively purges experienced politicians at a critical juncture.
With 2027 on the horizon, the Party’s self-imposed isolation—vowing to contest as a “stand-alone party”—could fracture opposition unity and play into the hands of the ruling coalition.
Political analysts warn of electoral irrelevance if Labour fails to mend internal divisions and rebuild grassroots trust.
Reaction and Counterclaims
Nenadi Usman’s Rebuttal
Notably absent from the suspension list is Senator Nenadi Usman, who heads the rival caretaker committee. Abure’s faction justified her exclusion by claiming she is “not a registered member” but merely a supporter of 2023 candidate Peter Obi—a rebuke that Usman’s camp decries as spurious.
Usman fired back, branding Abure an “impostor” and threatening legal action to reclaim party machinery within 48 hours.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
The NEC statement also attacked Usman’s moral authority, resurrecting allegations of her past plea bargain with EFCC and questioning her asset acquisitions—charges that critics say smear the messenger to deflect from factional failings.
