Labour Party: Abure-led NEC meeting sacks Ogene, names Etanabene NASS caucus leader

editor April 7, 2025

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By Ndukaku Ihe

The crises in the Labour Party continued on Monday as the Abure-led faction rose from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja to relieve Honourable Victor Adam Ogene of his leadership role in the House of Representatives Caucus and named Hon. Barrister, Ben Etanabene as his replacement.

The 10-point resolution after the meeting held at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja, also condemned the alleged “anti-party activities” of some members including Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The 10-point resolution signed by Abure read in part: “Labour Party expresses satisfaction with the Supreme Court decision which has returned the power, glory and supremacy of political parties to the parties.

“The court asserted the supremacy of the party over its internal affairs and that leadership of a political party is not for any court to decide as it is a no-go area for the court and so the court did not sack the NWC leadership.

“Accordingly, NEC in session reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on the 27th of March 2024 that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC) members under the chairmanship of Barrister, Julius Abure.

“The NEC in session believes very strongly that the present National Working Committee will lead the party in subsequent elections to victory and therefore reimpose their confidence in the NWC.

“NEC in session condemns in strong terms the activities of the Caretaker Committee illegally established by Alex Otti and Peter Obi in a so-called Stakeholders meeting held on the 4th of September ,2024 in Umuahia.

“The Supreme court admonished party leaders and members of the party to always abide by the constitution of the party. NEC noted that Article 14 (4) (B) gives power to call meetings only to the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman. Accordingly, NEC warned all members to abide by the constitution of the party.

“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. He also conducted LGA Election 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.”

The NEC of the party described the anti-party activities of Otti as unbecoming of a highly respected personality , saying they are no longer acceptable.

Part of the resolutions of the Abure-led meeting stated among others that: “ 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.

“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 penalty if found culpable.

“NEC in session reviewed the activities of the House of Representatives caucus leader, Honourable Victor Adam Ogene and wishes to relieve him of that leadership role for dereliction of duty. Consequently, Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene has been appointed by the NEC in session as the Labour Party’s Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives.”

The Abure-led NEC assured all Nigerians of a good leadership of the Labour Party, saying the party is willing to provide Nigerians good governance, security, economic growth and development, infrastructure development, robust electoral system, free and independent judiciary, if given the opportunity and mandate by Nigerians to provide leaders for the country.