On Wednesday, May 7, the Labour Party (LP) made a big announcement. They said that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi are no longer allowed to take part in the party—starting right away and with no end date in sight.
The party explained that this happened after a special group, called a Disciplinary Committee, looked into some serious complaints. These complaints said that these members were not following party rules and were doing things that could hurt the party.
Back on Friday, May 2, the Labour Party’s top leaders created this five-person committee. It was led by Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi and included Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party’s National Secretary, and three others. Their job was to look into whether the accused members were being loyal to the party or not.
After investigating, the committee gave its final report. Then, on Wednesday, May 7, the party leaders met and decided to agree with the committee’s recommendation to suspend these members.
In an official statement, National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim said:
“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect.
Dr Alex Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi
By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies among others are to take note.”
There was also some confusion about someone named Nenadi Usman. Some people thought she might be on the suspension list too, but the party made it clear—she isn’t even a member.
They added:
“It will surprise Nigerians and party faithfuls that the name of one Nenadi Usman was conspicuously omitted from the list of the suspended members of the party. First, we have said repeatedly that the said Nenadi Usman was and is not a member of the Labour Party being not a card carrying member of the Party. We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party.”
The party also accused Ms. Usman of switching political sides and of being involved in corruption. They challenged her to tell the truth about her past dealings with Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the EFCC, and explain how she got many of her properties and businesses.
Despite all this drama, the Labour Party says its finances are in good shape. They shared that independent auditors from INEC reviewed their records and gave them a clean bill of health.
Lastly, the party said it’s not interested in joining forces with any other parties before the next national election in 2027. They believe the people trying to create a new political alliance don’t have what it takes to lead such a group.
“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” they concluded.
