The Julius Abure-led National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has accused Governor Alex Otti of Abia State of engaging in anti-party activities, alleging that he is attempting to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 governorship elections.
The party claims that Otti plans to weaken the LP before defecting to another party to contest the upcoming elections.
These allegations were raised during a NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s Secretariat in Abuja.
A statement issued after the meeting, signed by Abure and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, accused Governor Otti of violating the party’s constitution and undermining its leadership.
The statement referred specifically to the activities surrounding the Caretaker Committee, which was established by Otti and LP’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia on September 4, 2024.
The Labour Party condemned the formation of this Caretaker Committee as illegal, asserting that it was against the party’s constitution. The NEC warned that Otti’s actions, which include holding unauthorized meetings and attempting to factionalise the party leadership, would not be tolerated.
The statement also highlighted that Otti had conducted Local Government Area (LGA) elections using another political party, further exacerbating the accusations of anti-party activities.
The NEC expressed concern that Otti’s actions were part of a broader plot to destabilise the party before leaving it to join another political organisation to contest the 2027 governorship election.
“The Governor has also intensified his effort to factionalise the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday, his anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected individual and can no longer be acceptable,” the statement read.
The Labour Party also warned that it would take disciplinary action against Otti, in accordance with Article 19 of the party’s constitution, which allows the party to sanction members for violating its rules.
“NEC will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution,” the statement noted.
Further, the NEC reaffirmed its support for the current National Working Committee (NWC) under the chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure.
The council expressed satisfaction with the recent Supreme Court decision, which upheld the supremacy of political parties in their internal matters.
The NEC cited the court’s ruling, which asserted that decisions regarding party leadership and internal affairs are the prerogative of the party, and that courts should not intervene in such matters.
“The Supreme Court decision returned the power, glory, and supremacy of political parties to the parties, The court asserted the supremacy of the party over its internal affairs and that leadership of a political party is not for any court to decide. The court DID NOT sack the NWC leadership,” the statement said.
The NEC also reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Nnewi National Convention, which was held on March 27, 2024, and produced the current NWC members under Abure’s leadership. The council reiterated its confidence in the NWC and its ability to lead the party to victory in future elections.
The party’s leadership warned that it would not tolerate any further anti-party actions from Otti or any other member, regardless of their status or influence within the party.
“NEC noted that it would not hesitate to discipline any other erring member who violates the party constitution, regardless of how big or powerful such individuals may be,” the statement concluded.
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