Labour Party Yet to Fix Date for NEC Meeting on Obi

The Labour Party says it has not fixed a date for its next National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where decisions will be made regarding members accused of anti-party activities, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ayo Olorunfemi, made this known while responding to recent controversies surrounding some party chieftains.

This development follows fresh threats by factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, who claimed during a television interview that Obi was at risk of expulsion for allegedly working against the interest of the party.

Arabambi pointed to Obi’s public support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and accused the former Anambra State governor of violating the constitution by associating with another political party.

Although Obi has distanced himself from defection rumours and insists he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, his visible involvement in the coalition that led to the formation of the ADC has continued to stir reactions within the party’s ranks.

Olorunfemi, however, clarified that no disciplinary action can be taken without a formal decision by the NEC.

“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.”