Two factions of the Labour Party (LP) are now at daggers drawn in a fight for supremacy. Making claims of authority of the Party, the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the party led by Nenadi Usman has given the National Chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure 48 hours to stop “parading” himself as a leader of the party.
The committee went further to warn that Abure risks disciplinary actions if he does not desist from working against the interest of the party. This warning was given in Abuja on Wednesday by the Chairperson of the NCC and former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, during a press conference to react to the actions of Abure.
Acting on the powers of the National Executive Council (NEC) to its faction of the party, the Usman-led faction has set up a disciplinary committee chaired by Sen Ireti Kingibe. The mandate given to them was to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against Abure during his tenure as national chairman of the party and recommend appropriate punishment within 21 days.
However, the Abure-led faction of the party had earlier set up it’s own committee assigned to investigate alleged anti-party activities by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi. Perhaps, this might be as a response by the Usman-led faction of the party.
While the Abure-led NWC says the apex court validated its leadership, the NCC insists that his tenure has long expired as stated “expressly” by the court.
This confusion is a clear evidence that the factional war in the LP is far from being over since each faction is vehemently laying claim to the April 4 judgment of the Supreme Court.
According to Abure, his own faction’s disciplinary committee members include: Dr Ayo Olorunfemi as the Chairman and Alhaji Umar Farouk was to be the Secretary. Other members were Mr Kehinde Edun, Mrs Dudu Manuga and Mr Callistus Ihejiagwa.
This Abure led faction of the party resolved at the NEC meeting that it would not enter into any coalition or alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Labour Party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 general election.
“Instead, we will focus on rebuilding, repositioning, re-strategizing, reconciling, and expanding our membership base to win the 2027 elections,” Abure said.
He expressed skepticism about ongoing coalition talks in the political space, arguing that those spearheading such initiatives lacked the capacity and character to build viable alliances.
“People who cannot unite their own parties cannot lead a national coalition. Forming a new party where stakeholders are expected to surrender their identity and structure requires strong leadership, which is currently lacking,” he added.
On Anambra 2025 governorship, Abure confirmed that Chief George Moghalu had emerged as the party’s, following the primaries held on April 5 in Awka.
“NEC congratulates Chief George Moghalu and rallies all members and Ndi Anambra to support him in the Nov. 8 governorship election for a greater Anambra State,” he stated.
Responding to concerns about Moghalu’s recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abure said the LP was now using more scientific and structured approaches to candidate screening and selection.
“We’re committed to fielding candidates who will respect the party’s constitution and uphold its values.
“We are taking steps to avoid a repeat of situations like the one we are currently managing in Abia,” he said.(NAN)
