The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has cautioned Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, over alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement released after a national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the faction cautioned Obi against any actions that could undermine the unity and integrity of the party.

“NEC in session in exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalties if found culpable,” the statement reads.

The party also took aim at Otti, accusing him of engaging in conduct contrary to the interests of the LP, including holding “unauthorised” stakeholder meetings and conducting LG elections using another political party.

According to NEC, Otti has been attempting to factionalise the party by convening what it described as an “illegal NEC” meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The faction further alleged that the governor is plotting to destabilise the LP before defecting to another party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Gov. Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorized stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC,” the statement reads.

“He also conducted LGA elections using another political party. The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalize the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is also aware of the governor’s plot to cripple our party before moving to another political party where he hopes to contest the 2027 governorship election.

“His anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable. NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the Party’s Constitution.

“NEC in session noted that it would not hesitate to discipline any other erring member who violates the party constitution regardless of how big or powerful such individuals may be.”

On Monday, Obi and Otti announced a stakeholders’ summit set for Wednesday, April 9.

Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former House of Representatives member, has successfully obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Ukachukwu won decisively during the party’s primary election held on Saturday, outpacing his nearest competitor, Valentine Ozigbo, along with other candidates by a significant margin.

He garnered 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo received 67 votes. Other aspirants, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo, secured 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, 2025.

In a statement following his victory, Ukachukwu vowed to lead the state to the APC.

“We will ensure that Anambra is delivered to the APC. I want to emphasize that no one has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my backing; it has never occurred,” he remarked.

“I have played the role of a godfather, but now I aspire to be the father of the father — it’s time to move beyond the traditional godfather model.”

Notably, just hours before the primary election, three aspirants withdrew from the race, including former federal lawmaker Chukwuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, and Paul Chukwuma, who has since resigned from the party.