The Abia State Government has strongly refuted claims that Governor Alex Otti has been suspended from the Labour Party, describing the statement issued by Julius Abure as a “joke taken too far” and “an affront on democracy.”
In a press release dated May 7, 2025, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, accused Julius Abure-whom he described as the “former National Chairman” of the Labour Party – of impersonation and political mischief.
“The attention of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has been drawn to the news of his purported suspension by Julius Abure and his gang of comedians. This is nothing more than a desperate move by political irritants who seek to exploit the governor’s popularity for selfish economic gain,” Ekeoma stated.
He further pointed out that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had, in a final ruling, declared that Julius Abure is no longer the National Chairman of the Labour Party. “The judgement, in line with the Labour Party Constitution, is what led to the constitution of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee. Abure lacks any legal standing to act in any official capacity within the party,” Ekeoma emphasized.
According to Ekeoma, Abure’s move came hours after he was summoned by the National Caretaker Committee to respond to serious allegations including financial misappropriation, impersonation, and anti-party activities. “Instead of facing these charges, Abure rushed to the media in a futile attempt to distract attention,” he said.
Calling for action, Ekeoma urged the Inspector General of Police to arrest Mr. Abure for impersonation and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully implement the Supreme Court’s ruling. “This is necessary to preserve the integrity of the judiciary and protect Nigeria’s democracy,” he concluded.
The statement urged the public to disregard the purported suspension, describing Abure and his associates as “clowns in desperate search of a crown they do not deserve.” GMTNewsng
