Political Turmoil In LP: Reps Declare Afam Ogene’s Removal As Caucus Leader ‘Illegitimate’

Political Turmoil In LP: Reps Declare Afam Ogene’s Removal As Caucus Leader ‘Illegitimate’

The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has firmly rejected the removal of Afam Ogene as their leader by the faction led by Julius Abure…….READ MORE

The party’s internal turmoil, which has split it into competing factions, has escalated after the Supreme Court recently nullified an Appeal Court verdict that had recognized Abure as the legitimate national chairman of the LP. In the aftermath, the faction backed by Peter Obi and other key party figures commended the court’s judgment, viewing it as a vital step for the party’s future stability.

However, the Abure faction proceeded to suspend Ogene over alleged “dereliction of duty” and named Ben Etanabene as his replacement.

In response, Ogene issued a statement Tuesday, stressing that his removal is invalid as he was elected to the position, not appointed. He criticized the Abure faction’s move as “laughable, naive, and misleading.” Ogene emphasized that only the members of the caucus who elected him can remove him, stating that the caucus leader is selected based on peer support, not through an appointment from the party’s leadership.

Ogene reaffirmed that the LP is a reputable organization, not a “ponzi scheme” and reiterated his position, having been elected by a majority vote on May 6, 2023. The matter continues to deepen the political division within the Labour Party.