In a fiery revelation following a critical State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, the leadership of the Labour Party in Abia State has come out accusing top political figures, including Governor Alex Otti and even the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, of sabotaging the party that gave them political lifelines.
Addressing the press after the closed-door session, the State Working Committee (SWC), in alliance with local government chairmen and secretaries, declared that Governor Otti has derailed from the party’s structure and now operates through a parallel group, “Abia Arise.”
The acting state Chairman Prince G.O Ndubueze pointed out that despite Labour Party’s role in Otti’s emergence as governor, the state administration has shut out loyal party members from appointments and patronage.
“We were the ones who labored for this party, yet not a single commissioner or aide appointed by Governor Otti is from the Labour Party family. Every structure of his government is built around Abia Arise.” the Chairman said
The SWC also accused Governor Otti of boycotting the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, choosing instead to hold a “stakeholders’ meeting” in the capital.
“This is political rebellion, And let’s be clear, he is no longer sincere to the Labour Party.” the Chairman declared.
Things got even more explosive when the discussion shifted to the Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership crisis. The Chairman interpreted the judgment as a vindication of Bar. Julius Abure’s leadership, criticizing those “celebrating” the ruling without reading the party’s constitution.
“This ruling only reaffirms Abure’s legitimacy,” he said, those working against him are working against Labour Party itself.”
Even Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, wasn’t spared.
“Peter Obi was carried in Labour Party’s womb without us, there would be no presidential bid. Yet he has made no effort to unify the party after the elections, adding that Obi’s recent philanthropic activities across Northern Nigeria were done without consultation with state party structures – Ndubueze stated
The Chairman warned that unless there’s a genuine return to the party fold, the SWC may recommend suspensions for erring members, including the governor and his deputy. However, he emphasized that only the national leadership can enforce such actions.
“We are sending a clear message: if you want to leave, do it fast. Stop pretending. Labour Party is not your private estate,” he declared.
As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, Labour Party’s internal rift in Abia State offers a cautionary tale, a party battling not just external opposition, but internal betrayal from its highest-ranking beneficiaries.
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