A Labour Party (LP) stakeholders meeting in Awka was thrown into chaos as protesters disrupted the event, challenging the authority of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to convene the gathering.
The meeting, aimed at strategizing the party’s future, was interrupted when protesters vocally opposed Governor Otti, shouting, “We don’t want Alex Otti! He’s not competent!” The disruption brought proceedings to a standstill as party leaders scrambled to restore order.
The protesters argued that Julius Abure, whose tenure as National Chairman of the Labour Party has reportedly expired, should still hold authority, contradicting directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They also insisted that Governor Otti lacked the right to summon the meeting, maintaining that Abure remains their recognized national chairman despite official communications to the contrary.
In a press conference after the incident, Labour Party leaders condemned the protest and clarified that there is currently no recognized national leadership at the state and local government levels, as per INEC’s directives. According to party officials, INEC has instructed Governor Alex Otti, in partnership with the party’s national leader, Peter Obi, to organize elections to fill these leadership positions. These elections are scheduled for September 4, 2024.
“The stakeholders’ meeting was called to discuss the upcoming elections and to chart a course forward for the party,” explained Chief Edozie Ezeugwa, who convened the meeting. He criticized the disruptors for rejecting Otti’s leadership and violating INEC’s directives, noting that Abure has been officially removed as national chairman and his name erased from the party portal.
Ezeugwa also highlighted that during a recent meeting with INEC, no representative from Abure’s faction was present, further underscoring the absence of legitimate leadership at that level. This prompted Governor Otti and former Governor Obi to collaborate with other national bodies to organize the stakeholders’ meeting, which was unfortunately marred by the disruption.
Despite the disturbances, Chief Ikenna Azomchine, leader of the Obidient Generals, expressed satisfaction with the large turnout from grassroots members, viewing it as a testament to the party’s strong foundation and enduring appeal. He emphasized that the Labour Party, from which Peter Obi hails, remains a beacon of hope for many Nigerians.
Mr. Eze Oko Splendor, the Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Ebonyi State, raised concerns about the increasing trend of violence and thuggery in political gatherings. He warned that such actions could undermine the democratic process if left unchecked, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to proper procedures to ensure it remains a force for positive change in Nigeria.
The appointed Caretaker Chairman of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Mr. Peter Okoye, condemned the disruption, reiterating the party’s commitment to democratic principles. He stressed that the Labour Party is built on the values of fairness, justice, and accountability, and assured that they stand fully behind Governors Otti and Obi as they lead the party towards a brighter future.
