The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has issued a stern warning to its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, threatening to impose a “stiffer penalty” should he engage in any activity that undermines the unity and integrity of the party.
The warning was part of a resolution adopted during the NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, presided over by the National Chairman, Julius Abure.
In a statement signed by Abure, the NEC cautioned Obi against actions deemed capable of disrupting the party’s internal harmony.
“NEC in session, in exercise of its duties, hereby cautions 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,” the statement read.
The NEC also took decisive action against the Labour Party’s House of Representatives Caucus Leader, Hon. Victor Adam Ogene, accusing him of dereliction of duty and failing to project the party’s voice within the National Assembly.
According to the resolution, Ogene was removed from his position over a “lack of cohesion” among LP members in the House, a compromised leadership posture, and the poor representation of the party’s ideology and programmes.
He has been replaced by Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene, who was appointed by the NEC to assume leadership of the Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives.
The party has mandated its National Working Committee (NWC) to officially communicate the decision to the appropriate authorities.
The NEC further instructed Ogene to hand over all party properties in his possession, including financial contributions made by other LP lawmakers, and render a full account to the party without delay.
“The party will go to any length to retrieve all its belongings, including monies that belong to it which Hon. Ogene is holding tight to,” the NEC warned.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and credible leadership, the NEC stated that the Labour Party remains prepared to offer Nigerians competent governance, economic growth, improved security, infrastructure development, and judicial independence.
“We therefore assure all Nigerians of a political party that is different, and that has internal party democracy,” the statement concluded.
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