An Abia State High Court sitting in Ukwa has issued an order restraining the faction of the Labour Party loyal to Barrister Julius Abure from meddling in the party’s activities within the state.
In its ruling, the court recognised Emmanuel Otti as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party in Abia State. It further declared Otti’s suspension by the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) as illegal, unconstitutional, and without legal standing.
The court also noted that the 2024 Constitution of the party—cited by the Abure faction as the basis for Otti’s suspension—has not been acknowledged or ratified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as required by law.
According to The Whistler, the court barred Prince G.O. Ndubueze, who emerged from the Abure camp, from parading himself as the state chairman or interfering with Otti’s leadership.
It would be recalled that the Abure-led NWC last month announced the suspension of prominent party figures, including Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, LP senators Ireti Kingibe and Darlington Nwokocha, and federal lawmakers Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi, citing alleged anti-party activities.
In response, the Nenadi Usman-led National Consultative Committee (NCC) aligned with Otti and the 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
The committee dismissed the suspensions as baseless and initiated disciplinary measures against Abure.
The NCC gave Abure 48 hours to cease parading himself as national chairman, citing a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which, according to them, nullified Abure’s claim to the party’s leadership.
“The apex court clearly ended Abure’s tenure,” said former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, who chairs the NCC.
“His continued impersonation of the office of National Chairman is illegal and undermines the party’s integrity,” she added.
The NCC accused Abure of misconduct and inaugurated a special committee to probe his actions during his time in office.
The committee passed a vote of confidence in both Governor Otti and Mr Obi, describing them as pillars of the party’s future.
