No leadership vacuum in LP, says Abure, vows to sanction conveners of proposed NEC meeting

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Comrade Julius Abure, has issued strong warnings to key party figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities.

The NEC, in a communique read by the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, during a meeting held at the LP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, warned Governor Otti against proceeding with a scheduled “illegal” stakeholders meeting set for Wednesday, April 19, 2025.

It also threatened disciplinary action against him should he continue to “usurp NEC’s powers” and further factionalize the party.

The party also cautioned Peter Obi to desist from any actions or statements that could destabilize the party’s unity.

“NEC in session hereby cautions the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party,” Farouk said. He added that stiffer penalties would be imposed if Obi was found culpable.

NEC condemned a September 2024 meeting in Umuahia where a Caretaker Committee allegedly formed by Obi and Otti was inaugurated. The party insisted such a committee is unconstitutional and not recognized by LP leadership.

Governor Alex Otti was also accused of organizing an unauthorized stakeholders meeting, conducting LGA elections under another party, and plotting to defect from the Labour Party. “NEC will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution,” the statement warned.

In another major decision, NEC announced the removal of Hon. Afam Ogene as the party’s caucus leader in the House of Representatives, citing dereliction of duty, lack of cohesion, and poor representation of the party’s ideology. Barr. Ben Etanabene was named as his replacement.

NEC further mandated that Hon. Ogene return all party properties in his possession, including financial contributions made by Labour lawmakers, and give a proper account to the party.

Party Chairman Julius Abure, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the current LP leadership, citing the March 27, 2024, National Convention in Nnewi, which he said followed constitutional procedures and had been upheld by several court rulings.

Abure condemned attempts to create confusion through what he described as an “illegitimate caretaker committee,” insisting that only the party’s constitution can determine its leadership structure.

“There is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party,” he emphasized. “The National Working Committee under my chairmanship remains the recognized and legitimate leadership body of our party. We shall not cede ground to illegitimate actors or unconstitutional contraptions.”