Abure-led LP faction cautions Obi, Otti over ‘anti-party activities’

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has cautioned Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, over alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement released after a national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the faction cautioned Obi against any actions that could undermine the unity and integrity of the party.

“NEC in session in exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalties if found culpable,” the statement reads.

The party also took aim at Otti, accusing him of engaging in conduct contrary to the interests of the LP, including holding “unauthorised” stakeholder meetings and conducting LG elections using another political party.

According to NEC, Otti has been attempting to factionalise the party by convening what it described as an “illegal NEC” meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The faction further alleged that the governor is plotting to destabilise the LP before defecting to another party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Gov. Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorized stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC,” the statement reads.

“He also conducted LGA elections using another political party. The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalize the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is also aware of the governor’s plot to cripple our party before moving to another political party where he hopes to contest the 2027 governorship election.

“His anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable. NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution.

“NEC in session noted that it would not hesitate to discipline any other erring member who violates the party constitution regardless of how big or powerful such individuals may be.”

On Monday, Obi and Otti announced a stakeholders’ summit set for Wednesday, April 9.