The crisis rocking the opposition Labour Party (LP) has deepened, with the Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction announcing the suspension of Benue State Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Agida, and 25 other prominent party figures.

Among those affected are Hon. Hilda Doukubo, former Rivers State chairman; Eneyi G. Zidougha, former Bayelsa chairman; former National Deputy Chairman, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi; and Muhammed Sabitu Aliyu, former Bauchi State chairman.

Most of the suspended officials are believed to be loyal to former National Chairman, Julius Abure.

The suspensions were announced on Thursday via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle by the Usman-led Caretaker Committee, which said it was acting with the backing of the party’s NEC).

Usman, a former Minister of Finance, remains a central figure in the protracted leadership tussle within the party. Her faction insists it has legal backing following a series of court rulings.

The latest development follows a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, delivered on April 4, 2025, which set aside an earlier Court of Appeal ruling that had recognised Abure as National Chairman, effectively removing him from office.

Subsequently, in January 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, affirmed Usman as the party’s valid national chairman, citing the Supreme Court verdict. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Usman-led leadership pending the conduct of a national convention.

Other stakeholders affected by the suspension include Lincolin Charles, Ogar Osim, Vincent Okwuokei, Casmir Agbo Uchenna, Simon Zubairu Bamga, Abduljamid Sa’ad Suleiman, Auwala Ahmed, Ularama Jubrila, Grace Zafara Posat, Suleiman Abdurahman Abdul, Ajibade Adekunle Samson, Alexander Emmanuel Ombugu, Elizabeth Ativie, Godwin Jioke, Airen Igbinedion, Osas Frank, Kennedy Ahanotu, Abayomi Arabambi, Umar Faruk Ibrahim, Auwal Tafoki, and Obiora Ifoh.

Amid the escalating crisis, the party has fixed April 28, 2026, for its national convention, where new national officers are expected to emerge.