The Labour Party has suspended five lawmakers in the National Assembly, along with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, over allegations of working against the party’s interest.
The suspended lawmakers are Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.
Their suspension followed the outcome of an investigation carried out by a disciplinary panel set up by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on May 2, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, the NEC held a meeting on May 7 where it reviewed the committee’s report and approved the recommendation to suspend the six individuals indefinitely.
The party said the suspension takes immediate effect and bars them from representing the party in any capacity.
Relevant institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, and security agencies, have been informed of the decision.
The party also addressed the issue of Nenadi Usman, whose name was not included in the suspension list.
It explained that Usman is not a card-carrying member of the Labour Party and therefore cannot be sanctioned.
The party accused her of joining another political party and questioned her loyalty and involvement in past corruption cases.
Responding to talks about a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, the Labour Party dismissed the idea.
It said those behind such efforts lack the needed leadership skills to manage a political alliance.
The party stated that it would contest the 2027 elections independently and will not consider any merger or coalition.
The Labour Party also assured the public that its financial records are intact, noting that its accounts had been audited and verified by INEC-appointed external auditors.
