The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP), led by Comrade Julius Abure, has issued a stern warning to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, over their involvement in a proposed stakeholders’ meeting described as “unauthorized” and “illegal.”
The meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, has drawn the ire of the party’s leadership, which alleges that it violates the Labour Party’s constitution and threatens the unity of the party.
NEC Cautions Against Actions That Could Divide the Party
At the conclusion of a NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, delivered a communique detailing the decisions reached by the committee.
According to Farouk, the NEC cautioned Peter Obi against engaging in any actions or making statements that could fuel division within the party. He stated unequivocally that the Labour Party would no longer condone any form of anti-party behavior regardless of the status or influence of the individual involved.
“NEC in session, in the exercise of its constitutional duties, 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 Labour Party. Any such conduct may attract disciplinary measures if found culpable,” Farouk warned.
Abia Governor Accused of Subverting Party Structures
The communique also leveled serious accusations against Governor Alex Otti, including the unauthorized convening of party meetings and aligning with another political party during local government elections in Abia State.
NEC specifically cited a meeting held on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia, which it claimed led to the illegal formation of a Caretaker Committee. The party’s leadership stated that this committee, reportedly established with the support of Peter Obi and Alex Otti, lacks any legal or constitutional backing.
“The NEC condemns in strong terms the activities of the Caretaker Committee illegally constituted during the purported Stakeholders’ Meeting in Umuahia,” Farouk said. “Such moves clearly violate the party’s constitution and show disregard for its established procedures.”
NEC reiterated that under Article 14(4)(B) of the Labour Party Constitution, only the National Secretary, with the approval of the National Chairman, holds the authority to convene official meetings.
Leadership Change in House of Representatives
In a related development, NEC announced the immediate removal of Hon. Afam Ogene as the leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives. In his place, Barr. Ben Eternabene has been appointed as the new caucus leader.
The party did not provide explicit reasons for Ogene’s dismissal but emphasized that the decision was taken to align with the party’s broader objective of ensuring discipline and cohesion within its ranks.
Commitment to Constitutional Order
The NEC also reaffirmed the validity of the Nnewi National Convention held on March 27, 2024, which saw the emergence of the current National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Julius Abure. This move was aimed at countering claims that alternative factions or conventions could determine party leadership.
Reiterating its stance, the committee stated: “All members must respect the constitution of the Labour Party. Any attempt to circumvent the rules will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures as provided under Article 19 of the party’s constitution.”
In its concluding remarks, the NEC expressed disappointment in the actions of Governor Otti, describing his conduct as unbecoming of a senior public official. “His continued involvement in anti-party activities, including the attempt to factionalize party leadership, is unacceptable.
NEC will not hesitate to invoke disciplinary actions if such behavior persists,” the communique warned.
