The Labour Party has suspended six prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the sole Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, indefinitely over alleged anti-party activities.

Other suspended members are Abia Central Senator, Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.

The decision is contained in a statement signed by Umar-Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary of the Julius Abure-led faction, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

According to the Labour Party National Executive Council (NEC), the decision followed recommendations of a five-person Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025, to probe alleged anti-party activities.

ALSO READ: I remain firmly in Labour Party – Alex Otti shuts down rumoured defection to APC

Ibrahim said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars the affected members from participating in any party activities.

“Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr.Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and any other party members over allegations of anti party activities.

“The Disciplinary Committee has concluded its assignment and has submitted its report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee.

“Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr. Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi,” the statement read.

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Labour Party disowns Nenadi Usman

Meanwhile, the party explained the omission of Nenadi Usman, its rival faction’s Caretaker Committee chairman, from the suspension list, stating that she’s not a registered member of the Labour Party, but a supporter of Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential flag-bearer.

“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 statement noted.

Ibrahim claimed that Usman lacks the moral right to comment on corruption, citing her alleged plea bargain with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and purported asset forfeitures.

ALSO READ: 2027: Talks on Peter Obi’s return to PDP begin amid mass defection

“She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” he added.

The Labour Party reaffirmed its stance on political alliances, insisting that it would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as stand alone party and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter,” the statement concluded.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has signalled a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), deepening the crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Speaking at a constituency town hall meeting in Ukanafun Local Government Area on Tuesday, Eno made pointed remarks that suggested his confidence in the PDP’s ability to carry him into the 2027 general elections is waning.

His comments come just days after the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, another significant loss for the party.

Using a metaphor that resonated with the crowd, Eno likened the PDP to a failing aircraft.

READ ALSO: PDP governors reject coalition

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, wouldn’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” he asked the gathering at QIC Central School in Ikot Akpankuk.

“The PDP is like a damaged aircraft that can no longer transport passengers to their destination. It lacks the capacity to take me to where I want to be in 2027,” he continued.

Eno’s remarks underscore growing dissatisfaction within the PDP, particularly among governors in the southern region, many of whom are beginning to reconsider their political future as the 2027 elections approach.

Though he has not officially announced his departure from the party, Eno’s statements are being widely interpreted as a prelude to defection.

With the party already struggling to maintain its influence nationally, Governor Eno’s potential exit marks another setback in its quest to regain political dominance.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong confidence in Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without joining any coalition.

This is coming amid reported talks of a mega coalition to wrest power from Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recently, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, disclosed that plans were afoot for opposition figures to coalesce under one platform to challenge the ruling party.

This has led to a reported series of strategic meetings between opposition politicians to actualise the plan.

ALSO READ: Stop de-marketing Nigeria – Segun Sowunmi blasts Obi for quoting poverty figure

However, Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, insisted that Obi doesn’t need to join such a coalition to unseat Tinubu in a transparent poll because the Labour Party leader remains a likeable politician.

He also ruled out the possibility of Obi returning to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing the opposition party as “crisis-ridden and near empty.”

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate,” Ndubuaku told Punch.

The NLC chief stressed that Obi can leverage his local support and international connections to unseat President Tinubu in 2027, provided there is a free and fair contest.

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“If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches.

“He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.

“For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make it happen.”

Obidients ready to ride or die for Obi

Recall that the Obidient Movement recently pledged its continued support for the former Anambra State Governor, irrespective of which political platform he chooses to run on for the 2027 election.

However, Ndubuaku claimed that Obi enjoys broad national appeal, cutting across all six geopolitical zones, adding that moving to the PDP will be counterproductive for him.

“No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said.

“Obi is a disciplined man. If people are suggesting he return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDP’s issues with those of the Labour Party.

“While LP’s crisis, centering around Julius Abure, has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis.

“Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.”

ALSO READ: Peter Obi’s 2023 Enugu campaign coordinator quits LP — declares new party

On concerns over zoning and power rotation between the North and the South, Ndubuaku downplayed the rhetoric, insisting Obi’s track record speaks for itself.

“The only reservation some people have is that if Obi wins, he could take the full eight years, which the north fears may disrupt the zoning balance,” he said.

“But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power.”