The internal crisis plaguing the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Wednesday as rival factions led by Senator Nenadi Usman and Julius Abure took disciplinary actions against each other’s key members.
Senator Usman’s faction announced the formation of a six-member disciplinary committee to investigate Abure, whom she described as an impostor and accused of corruption and misconduct.
At a press conference in Abuja, Usman said the panel was set up in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution and given 21 days to complete its work.
“The National Executive Council has decided to act in defense of the party’s integrity and in response to serious allegations of financial misconduct and anti-party activities,” Usman said.
Members of the disciplinary panel include Senator Ireti Kingibe (Chairman), Peter Ameh (Secretary), Kumba Mbemba, Okejo Onwakalusi, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, and former acting national chairman, Maria Lebeke.
Usman insisted that the committee would ensure fair hearing for all parties involved and argued that Abure’s continued claim to the national chairmanship was a violation of a recent Supreme Court judgment which, she said, affirmed his removal.
Meanwhile, the Abure-led faction struck back by suspending six high-profile figures associated with Usman’s group, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and four others.
According to a statement by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, the decision followed the conclusion of a disciplinary investigation into alleged anti-party activities.
The suspended members were named as: Governor Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi.
“These individuals are hereby barred from acting on behalf of the party. Relevant institutions such as the Nigeria Governors Forum, National Assembly, INEC, and security agencies are advised to take note,” the statement read.
Farouk also dismissed Nenadi Usman’s authority, claiming she is not a registered member of the Labour Party.
He alleged she had recently pledged allegiance to another political party and accused her of having unresolved corruption cases with the EFCC, undermining her credibility to initiate any probe.
He defended the party’s financial records, stating they had been audited by INEC-approved external auditors, who reportedly commended the party for its transparency.
As the power struggle within the Labour Party intensifies, both factions remain locked in a battle for control, further weakening the party’s internal cohesion and public image.