Nasarawa LP Crisis: Ombugu dismisses suspension claim

n n

….Warns Against ‘Illegal’ Caretaker Committee

n

By Edwin Philip, Lafia

n

The Nasarawa State Chairman of the Labour Party, Alexander Ombugu, has dismissed claims of his alleged suspension, insisting he remains the duly recognised leader of the party in the state.

n

Ombugu, who spoke during a press briefing in Lafia on Monday, described the suspension rumour as “a fiction of the imagination” by a faceless group parading itself as a caretaker committee.

n

He maintained that the group is neither known to the national leadership of the party nor recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

n

“I remain the only authentic chairman of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State as recognised by both the national leadership and INEC,” he said.

n

The LP chairman alleged that the purported caretaker committee is attempting to exploit unsuspecting political aspirants, particularly as party primaries approach.

n

According to him, “the motive behind spreading the suspension rumour is to create an avenue to defraud aspirants seeking elective positions under the party’s platform.”

n

Ombugu further argued that the Labour Party constitution does not provide for the establishment of a caretaker committee, questioning the legality of the group’s emergence without due process.

n

He also expressed concern that members of the alleged committee have been inviting duly elected ward and local government party officials, as well as other stakeholders, to meetings—moves he said are aimed at creating confusion within the party.

n

The chairman cautioned party executives, members and supporters across the 13 local government areas of the state against engaging in any political dealings with the unrecognised group.

n

He called on security agencies to investigate the activities of the purported committee to prevent residents and party members from being misled.

n

“We submitted the names of duly elected leaders from our congresses, and INEC acknowledged them accordingly,” he added.

n

Ombugu urged party faithful not to be provoked by the actions of the group, assuring that the Labour Party remains united and focused ahead of the 2027 general elections.

n

He expressed optimism that despite current challenges, the party would emerge stronger and remain competitive in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria.

n

He listed members of the state executive committee elected during the party congress to include himself as chairman, Bulus Sakks as secretary, Esther Arishi as treasurer, Isiaka Okpu as financial secretary, Ablaku Anthony as public relations officer, Emmanuel Ayaka as auditor, and Hanatu Giwa as women leader, among others.

n n