The Nasarawa State chairman of the Labour Party, Alexander Ombugu, has dismissed rumours claiming he was suspended by individuals allegedly operating as members of a caretaker committee within the party.
Ombugu insisted that he remains the duly recognised leader of the party in the state, describing the alleged caretaker committee as an illegitimate group not acknowledged by either the national leadership of the Labour Party or the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He argued that the claims of his suspension were fabricated to mislead party members and create confusion ahead of internal party processes.
According to him, the individuals behind the rumour were attempting to exploit political aspirants seeking the party’s platform as preparations for forthcoming primaries gather momentum.
“The motive behind these claims is to create room to defraud unsuspecting aspirants who are preparing to contest elections under the party’s banner,” Ombugu said during a press briefing on Monday.
Furthermore, the party chairman stated that the Labour Party’s constitution does not recognise the formation of a caretaker committee in the manner being claimed.
He questioned how such a body could emerge without following constitutional procedures or obtaining the approval of the party’s national leadership.
Ombugu also alleged that members of the purported committee had been reaching out to ward and local government party chairmen across the state, officials who emerged through the party’s congresses—in what he described as an attempt to sow discord among party stakeholders.
Consequently, he cautioned party executives, members, and supporters across the state’s 13 local government areas to avoid any political dealings with the individuals behind the caretaker committee.
“I am using this opportunity to inform all our members not to be provoked by the illegal activities of these individuals. Everyone should remain calm because there is no cause for alarm,” he said.
He further called on security agencies to investigate the activities of the group, warning that unsuspecting residents could fall victim to fraudulent political arrangements.
“In line with the Constitution of Nigeria, INEC, and our party, we conducted ward, local government, and state congresses peacefully. These processes were monitored by the electoral commission and security agencies, and the outcomes were duly acknowledged,” Ombugu said.
The Labour Party chairman expressed confidence that the electoral body would uphold the legitimacy of the congresses and disregard any attempt to dissolve the leadership structure that emerged from them.
He also maintained that the party remains united despite the controversy and urged members to remain committed to strengthening the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
