RismadarVoice Reporters
March 23, 2026
The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Nasarawa State, Alexander Ombugu, has dismissed claims that he has been suspended by a purported caretaker committee in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, Ombugu described the reports as false, insisting that he remains the duly elected and recognised chairman of the party.
He stated that those parading themselves as members of a caretaker committee are unknown to the national leadership of the Labour Party and are not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ombugu alleged that the move was aimed at defrauding unsuspecting political aspirants ahead of the party’s primaries.
“The motive behind these rumours is to create an avenue to exploit aspirants seeking elective positions on the platform of our party,” he said.
The LP chairman maintained that the party’s constitution does not provide for a caretaker committee, questioning the legality of its emergence without due process.
He further accused members of the group of inviting duly elected ward and local government party executives, as well as other stakeholders, to illegitimate meetings in a bid to create confusion within the party.
Ombugu, therefore, cautioned party members and supporters across the 13 local government areas of the state to avoid any dealings with the group.
He also called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to investigate the activities of the alleged committee.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership structure, Ombugu noted that the ward, local government, and state congresses were conducted in line with constitutional provisions and monitored by INEC and security agencies.
“It is unthinkable that a group of persons will wake up and ask INEC to dissolve what it has duly witnessed and certified. We are in a democracy, not a dictatorship,” he said.
He urged party members to remain calm and not be provoked, assuring that there is no cause for alarm.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Ombugu expressed confidence in the unity and strength of the Labour Party, stating that the party would emerge stronger despite current challenges.
He also expressed optimism that INEC would uphold due process, noting that the electoral body had commended the conduct of the party’s congresses in the state.
