Tensions have intensified within the Labour Party (LP) as supporters of the beleaguered National Chairman, Julius Abure, prepare for what they describe as an “imminent invasion” of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
This situation arises in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, which dismissed the Abure-led executive committee. In response, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called on the Abure faction to lay down their arms and pursue reconciliation.
In a statement issued yesterday, Umar Ibrahim, the former National Secretary of LP, accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in conjunction with the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee and the National Transition Committee, of plotting an unlawful and violent takeover of the party’s headquarters.
Ibrahim cautioned that “the invasion, reportedly funded by the Abia government and a notable party figure, is set to commence on Monday, April 7.” He added that the objective is to breach the offices, confiscate sensitive documents, and damage party property.
The Abure faction further alleged that the NLC is enlisting hired thugs and troublemakers to execute this plan, a strategy they claim jeopardizes the peace of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and contravenes the Labour Union’s non-partisan principles.
They interpreted the Supreme Court ruling as a directive that internal party disputes should be settled internally, asserting that the ruling did not sanction any leadership changes.
The Abure faction has called on security agencies to respond promptly, urging the police and other law enforcement authorities to avert any disturbances and apprehend those attempting to orchestrate a takeover.
On Friday, the Supreme Court removed Abure from his position as LP National Chairman, confirming Usman as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee. Otti made his remarks over the weekend in light of the “misleading interpretations” surrounding the Supreme Court ruling that dismissed Abure’s faction of the LP.
The Governor of the Labour Party (LP), during the inauguration of the new leadership for the Abia Arise Organisation, his political framework in preparation for the 2027 elections, stated: “The party (LP) holds greater significance than any individual among us. The temporary victory of malevolence over virtue will not last. We express our gratitude to God for the events of yesterday, as we maintained hope that justice would prevail for the LP.
“I observed some individuals making assertions regarding their non-removal by the Supreme Court. While we could disregard their claims, I choose not to. I urge them to embrace peace, unless their true intention is to dismantle the party. Should they pursue its destruction, they will ultimately harm themselves, and the party will emerge even more resilient.”
Governor Otti officially launched the Abia Arise State Executive, along with zonal and local government coordinators, appointing Nkem Okoro as State Chairman, Mrs. Sophia Ikpeama as Vice Chairman, and Dr. Sylvester Ibeneme as Secretary, among other officials. He commended them for being deemed capable of leading Abia Arise, the grassroots support network of his administration.
