The Nasarawa State Chairman of the Labour Party, Alexander Ombugu, has refuted claims that he has been suspended from the party by individuals claiming to be members of a caretaker committee.
Ombugu addressed the rumours during a press briefing on Monday in Lafia, insisting that he remains the legitimate LP chairman in the state.
“These claims are baseless,” Ombugu said.
“Those parading themselves as a caretaker committee are not recognised by the national leadership of our party nor by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Their motive is clearly to exploit political aspirants ahead of our primaries.”
He stressed that the LP constitution does not provide for a caretaker committee and questioned how such a group could emerge without following due process.
“The so-called committee has been inviting ward and local government chairmen to its meetings in an attempt to create confusion. I urge all party members to refrain from engaging with them,” he warned.
Ombugu called on security agencies, including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army, to investigate the activities of the group to protect residents from deception.
He further reaffirmed that the party conducted peaceful ward, local government, and state congresses, duly monitored by INEC and security agencies.
“INEC acknowledged our elections, and it is unthinkable that any group can ask the commission to dissolve what it witnessed,” he said.
Ombugu also listed the party executives elected during the state congress, including himself as Chairman; Bulus Sakks, Secretary; Esther Arishi, Treasurer; Isiaka Okpu, Financial Secretary; Ablaku Anthony, Public Relations Officer; Emmanuel Ayaka, Auditor; and Hanatu Giwa, Women Leader.
He urged party members to remain calm and focused on upcoming elections, adding, “The Labour Party remains united, and I am confident that we will emerge stronger despite these challenges.”
