The Labour Party says it has not fixed a date for its next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where key decisions will be made about members accused of working against the party, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
This was made known by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Ayo Olorunfemi, on Sunday, July 13, during an interview with journalists, as internal tensions continue to simmer.
The statement follows recent comments by factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, who claimed Obi would soon be expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
Arabambi made the comments on Channels Television’s Morning Brief last Tuesday.
According to Arabambi, Obi violated party rules by openly supporting the coalition recently adopted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He argued that “it is unconstitutional for him to belong to two political parties.”
Despite his involvement in the coalition, Obi has publicly maintained that he remains a member of the Labour Party.
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Responding to the controversy, Olorunfemi clarified that no disciplinary action can be taken against any senior member without the backing of the NEC, which is the party’s second-highest decision-making body.
“I think we are due for another National Executive Council meeting, especially in the face of recent developments.
“We need to obtain the mandate from the owners of the party. I am talking about the NEC, which is the second-highest decision-making organ of the party,” he said.
“However, I cannot tell you when it is going to happen. No date has been fixed because we are still consulting.
“But definitely, we will have our NEC meeting where decisions relating to the activities of Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti will be taken,” Olorunfemi added.
The uncertainty has only deepened the ongoing internal rift within the Labour Party, even as members await the NEC’s decision on the future of its most prominent figures.