The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has escalated as Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman, raised concerns over a possible forceful takeover of the party’s national headquarters in Abuja by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee.
Following the Supreme Court judgment on Labour Party leadership, which many interpreted as a sack of Abure, security presence was heightened at the LP secretariat on Sunday. Eyewitnesses confirmed that two police patrol vans and about eight armed officers were stationed around the premises to prevent a reported invasion.
Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, told NAIJABLOGDAILY that the security deployment was a preventive measure against misinterpretation of the court verdict, which he insists does not empower the NLC or any caretaker committee to seize control of the party.
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In an official statement, the LP National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, accused the NLC and its allies of planning an illegal invasion, allegedly backed by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and an unnamed influential party leader. He claimed that the plan involves breaking into the party headquarters, carting away sensitive documents, and damaging party properties—acts similar to previous incidents.
“The April 5 Supreme Court ruling was clear,” said Ibrahim. “It emphasized the use of internal mechanisms for resolving political party disputes. Nowhere in the judgment was the NLC given the authority to hijack the Labour Party leadership.”
Ibrahim reaffirmed that Julius Abure remains the validly elected National Chairman of the Labour Party, having emerged at the March 2024 national convention. He warned that any unlawful attempt to remove the current leadership would be met with resistance.
Meanwhile, Tony Akeni, spokesperson for the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, denied any plot to storm the LP office. “This is a clear case of paranoia. They are simply afraid because their time is up,” he stated, arguing that the court verdict has invalidated Abure’s leadership.
Adding weight to the controversy, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South, welcomed the apex court’s decision, asserting that Julius Abure has been removed as LP chairman. “The Labour Party was dragged into chaos post-2023 elections, and Abure’s leadership played a big role. The Supreme Court’s judgment is a relief,” he said during a press briefing in Benin.
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The Supreme Court’s decision nullified the previous Court of Appeal ruling that recognized Abure’s leadership, declaring that such disputes are internal party matters beyond judicial interference. It also highlighted that Abure’s tenure had expired, effectively ending his claim to the position.
As political tension rises, many observers are left wondering about Abure’s next move, especially as he remains silent and out of public view.
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