- Lagos LP suspends its chairperson, Pastor Dayo Ekong, and another official.
- Dissolution of all Local Government and Ward Executive Committees in Lagos State.
- Accusations of gross misconduct and violation of the party’s constitution.
- The Abure-led faction clashes with Abia State Governor Alex Otti over criticisms and calls for arrests.
Lagos LP in Crisis: Chair Suspended!
The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State is in serious drama! Pastor Dayo Ekong, the state chairperson, has been suspended, along with Sam Okpala. What’s the reason? Alleged gross misconduct and breaking the party’s rules. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a major shake-up.
To add fuel to the fire, the party has dissolved all Local Government and Ward Executive Committees across Lagos. According to a statement, this drastic measure aims to restore order and ensure everyone follows the party’s constitution.
Why the Suspension? What We Know
Pastor Ekong, who was both State Chairman and National Financial Secretary, is suspended for six months. The party claims she violated the constitution and engaged in misconduct. All former state executive committee members also received a six-month suspension for “anti-party activities.” Ouch!
Abure Faction vs. Governor Otti: A Political Showdown
But wait, there’s more! The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Abure-led faction is not happy with Abia State Governor Alex Otti. Why? Otti allegedly made disparaging comments and called for Abure’s arrest. The faction, through its National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, called Otti’s comments “deeply regrettable” and a threat to the party’s leadership.
It seems like the Abure faction feels betrayed, especially since Otti joined the Labour Party in 2022 after being rejected by other parties. They claim that under Abure’s leadership, Otti was given waivers, became the party’s gubernatorial candidate, and had his victory defended in court.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
According to the NWC, Governor Otti previously ordered the arrest of National Vice Chairman, Ceekay Igara, Abia State Chairman, Prince Ndubueze, and other party leaders during a meeting in Aba. They also claim Otti issued threatening statements during a meeting with dissident party members in Abuja in April 2025.
The NWC sees Otti’s demand for Abure’s arrest as a dangerous escalation. They emphasize the irony of Otti, who they say was facilitated by Abure’s leadership, now attacking that same leadership.
The Legal Angle: What Does the Supreme Court Say?
The party clarified that a recent Supreme Court ruling did NOT remove Abure as chairman. Instead, it confirmed that leadership disputes are internal matters and not subject to court intervention. This seems to be a key point the Abure faction is emphasizing to maintain its legitimacy.
What’s Next for the Labour Party?
The Labour Party is at a crossroads. Can it resolve these internal conflicts and maintain its momentum, or will these divisions lead to further instability? Only time will tell.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s political landscape is ever-evolving, and the Labour Party’s internal squabbles reflect the broader challenges facing political organizations in the country. Parties often struggle with:
- Factionalism: Competing groups vying for control.
- Ideological Differences: Disagreements on policy and direction.
- Leadership Struggles: Battles for power and influence.
These issues can undermine a party’s ability to effectively represent its constituents and contribute to good governance.