Governor Alex Otti slams Labour Party faction, demands arrest of Julius Abure over ‘impersonation’

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has fired back at reports of his purported suspension by a faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure, describing the action as “a joke taken too far” and a clear affront to democratic order.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Wednesday, Otti dismissed the suspension as illegitimate and baseless, pointing out that Abure has no legal authority to act as the National Chairman of the party.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria has rightly and unambiguously stated that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of Labour Party,”
Ekeoma stated, referencing a Supreme Court judgment that reportedly invalidated Abure’s leadership.

He added that the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee now holds the legitimate reins of the party, and that Abure’s continued actions in the name of LP constitute impersonation.

Allegations of Strategic Diversion

Otti’s media aide further alleged that Abure’s announcement of the suspension was a calculated move to divert attention, made shortly after Abure was summoned to respond to allegations of:

• Financial misappropriation

• Impersonation

• Anti-party activities

“Abure decided to be smart by half by rushing to the press… It’s a desperate attempt to shift focus from the serious allegations against him,” Ekeoma said.

Call for Arrest and INEC Action

In a strong-worded appeal, Governor Otti called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Julius Abure for impersonating a party official, and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the Supreme Court judgment without delay.

“INEC should ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgement as a way of preserving the integrity of the judiciary and protecting our democracy,”
Ekeoma concluded.

This development marks a new escalation in the Labour Party’s internal crisis, which has deepened since the 2023 general elections. The party remains divided, with competing factions vying for control amid growing calls for reform and unity.