The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP), led by Julius Abure, has raised serious concerns about the actions of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

According to a statement from the party, Otti is engaging in anti-party activities and may be planning to weaken the Labour Party before joining another political party to contest in the 2027 governorship election.

This statement was released after the NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. It was signed by Julius Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim.

During the meeting, NEC strongly condemned a Caretaker Committee that was allegedly set up by Governor Otti and former LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi. This committee came out of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia on September 4, 2024. NEC described the meeting and the committee as illegal.

The party also expressed satisfaction with a recent Supreme Court ruling that confirmed the power of political parties to manage their own internal matters. NEC reaffirmed support for the leadership of Julius Abure, which was chosen during the Nnewi National Convention held in March 2024.

NEC accused Governor Otti of holding unauthorized meetings and trying to take over the duties of the party’s national leadership. It also claimed that Otti conducted a local government election using another political party’s platform.

According to the party, these actions show that Otti may be trying to create divisions within the party before officially leaving to pursue his political ambitions elsewhere. NEC warned that such behavior is unacceptable and goes against the Labour Party’s constitution.

The leadership made it clear that if any member, no matter how influential, disrespects the party’s rules, they will face disciplinary action.