The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP), led by Julius Abure, has restated its confidence in his leadership and that of the National Working Committee (NWC) elected during the party’s 2024 National Convention.
The NEC also announced disciplinary action against Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and others alleged to have engaged in anti-party activities.
This comes amid a sharp rebuke from Governor Otti, who dismissed Abure’s leadership, claiming the Supreme Court had sacked him.
According to Otti, “Abure is living in a fool’s paradise for him to still be claiming to be the National Chairman of the party after the Supreme Court had sacked him.”
Speaking at a press briefing held Friday at the party’s headquarters, Abure presented a set of resolutions adopted during the NEC meeting.
He emphasized that the March 27, 2024 National Convention in Nnewi was properly conducted and in line with national and party laws.
“The party’s 2024 National Convention—held in Nnewi on March 27, 2024, was duly notified to INEC and conducted in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Labour Party’s internal guidelines and constitution,” Abure said.
The NEC endorsed the list of ad-hoc delegates elected from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reaffirming the legitimacy of the convention and the election of the current NWC.
It described the Abure-led team as “competent and capable of steering the party toward electoral success.”
As part of the resolutions, the NEC set up a five-member disciplinary committee to probe allegations of misconduct against Governor Otti and other members accused of undermining the party’s unity.
The committee, led by Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, includes Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim (Secretary), Kehinde Edun, Mrs. Dudu Manuga, and Callistus Ihejiagwa. It has been mandated to submit its report within two weeks.
The NEC further praised the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling for affirming “the supremacy of political parties and the validity of decisions made by their duly recognised organs.”
Pledging a commitment to peace and unity, the NEC urged all aggrieved members to return, saying it was extending an olive branch in the interest of the party and the nation.
In a major political announcement, the NEC categorically ruled out any coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Rather, it resolved to focus on “rebuilding, repositioning, and mobilising through strengthened grassroots engagement.”
The meeting concluded with a message of congratulations to Chief George Moghalu on his emergence as the LP’s flag bearer for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, following the party’s primaries held in Awka on April 5.
