Nigeria’s opposition Labour Party (LP) has plunged deeper into internal turmoil following the suspension of 26 prominent members, including former Benue State chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Agida.
Also affected are Hon. Hilda Doukubo, former Rivers State chairman; Eneyi G. Zidougha of Bayelsa; former National Deputy Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; and ex-Bauchi State chairman, Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, alongside several national and state officials linked to former national chairman, Julius Abure.
The suspensions were announced Thursday via the party’s official X handle by the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman, whose leadership has been affirmed by the courts.
According to the statement, the National Executive Council approved the disciplinary action against Agida and 25 others, signaling a decisive move to consolidate control ahead of the party’s next convention.
The development follows a series of legal battles that reshaped the party’s leadership. In a landmark ruling on April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified the leadership of Abure by overturning an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had recognised him as national chairman.
Subsequently, in January 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Supreme Court’s verdict, declaring Usman as the legitimate leader of the party. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Usman-led caretaker committee pending the conduct of a national convention.
Among other suspended members are Hon. Lincolin Charles, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Auwala Ahmed, and Ularama Jubrila.
Others include Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, Ajibade Adekunle Samson, Alexander Emmanuel Ombugu, Elizabeth Ativie, Godwin Jioke, Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Abayomi Arabambi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifoh.
The party has fixed April 28, 2026, for its national convention, where new national officials are expected to emerge, a move seen as crucial to resolving lingering leadership disputes within the party.
