The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed frustration over the actions of some leaders who joined the party ahead of the 2023 general election and are now at odds with its leadership.
The faction specifically called out former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for their roles in the party’s internal crisis.
Following a stakeholders’ meeting organized by Otti, former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman was appointed to lead a caretaker committee for the party.
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Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, were also present at the meeting, signaling a shift in support away from Abure’s leadership.
In a statement issued by Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Abure camp expressed dismay at the situation, recalling how the party made significant sacrifices to accommodate some of these leaders when they were denied tickets in their former political parties.
Ifoh lamented that many of these individuals are now seeking to remove Abure, despite benefiting from the party’s support during the last election.
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The Abure faction also criticized the actions of Obi and Otti, accusing them of betrayal during a difficult time for the party. Ifoh emphasized the Labour Party’s commitment to both leaders during the 2023 election, stating that the party fought hard to support their candidacies, even in the face of judicial and political challenges.
In response to a lawsuit filed by the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) claimed in a counter-affidavit that it no longer recognizes the Abure-led leadership due to the expiration of Abure’s tenure.
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The commission also dismissed the validity of the Labour Party’s March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure as chairman.
However, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed defended the decision to replace Abure, insisting that his removal was in accordance with the party’s constitution, as his tenure had expired.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the National Caretaker Committee in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed urged Abure and his supporters to drop their opposition and work with the caretaker committee to rebuild the party ahead of future elections.
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Baba-Ahmed also reassured party members that there is no internal crisis within the LP and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2027 presidential election and increased representation in the National Assembly.
