By John Umeh
The Labour Party (LP) faction led by its embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, has announced the establishment of an investigative panel to probe Governor Alex Otti of Abia State over what it described as “conduct inconsistent with the principles and values of the party.”
In a statement released on Thursday, the Abure-led faction said the panel will investigate allegations of financial impropriety, anti-party activities, and alleged misconduct by Governor Otti, who won the 2023 governorship election under the LP platform. The party claims the governor has repeatedly acted in ways that undermine party unity and accountability.
According to the statement, the panel will be made up of senior members of the faction’s National Working Committee (NWC), party legal advisers, and ethics officers, who are expected to report their findings within a stipulated timeframe.
“We are committed to upholding the integrity of the Labour Party. No individual, no matter how highly placed, is above the party’s constitution,” the statement read. “Governor Otti will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and clear his name in accordance with the principles of natural justice.”
This move deepens the ongoing rift within the Labour Party, which has been plagued by internal crises since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections. Governor Otti, seen by many as one of the LP’s most prominent elected officials, has yet to respond publicly to the development. His aides declined to comment when contacted.
Political observers view the probe as part of a larger power struggle within the party, as the Abure-led leadership battles for control amid growing calls for reconciliation and unity.
It remains to be seen how the probe will impact Otti’s standing within the party and his administration’s agenda in Abia State.
