The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Nasarawa State, Alexander Ombugu, has refuted claims that he was suspended, describing the reports as baseless and orchestrated by individuals posing as members of a caretaker committee.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lafia on Monday, Ombugu maintained that he remains the duly recognised state chairman, stressing that the alleged caretaker committee lacks legitimacy and is not acknowledged by both the party’s national leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that the rumour of his suspension was deliberately spread to mislead and exploit political aspirants ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries.
“We have peacefully conducted ward, local government and state congresses in line with the constitution, with INEC and security agencies in attendance. The outcomes were duly submitted and acknowledged,” Ombugu said.
“It is, therefore, unthinkable that a group of individuals will attempt to overturn a legitimate process already recognised by the electoral body.”
The LP chairman questioned the basis for the emergence of the so-called caretaker committee, noting that such a structure is not provided for in the party’s constitution. He further accused members of the group of reaching out to elected ward and local government executives in an attempt to create confusion within the party.
Ombugu warned party members across the state’s 13 local government areas to avoid any dealings with the group, cautioning that they may fall victim to fraud.
“I urge all members not to be provoked by these illegal actions. There is no cause for alarm. We must remain calm and focused,” he added.
“Residents should question how this interim committee suddenly appeared when INEC monitored and endorsed our congresses without any issues.”
He also called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army, to investigate the activities of the group and prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being deceived.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ombugu expressed confidence in the unity and strength of the Labour Party in Nasarawa State, urging members to remain committed to the party’s goals.
He reaffirmed that the congresses that produced the current state executives were conducted transparently and monitored by INEC officials, including Mohammed Hamza, who, according to him, commended the process.
Ombugu also reiterated the list of elected state executives, describing them as the legitimate leadership of the party in Nasarawa, and insisted that the LP would emerge stronger despite the ongoing internal disputes.
