Julius Abure, the derecognized factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, has vowed to continue criticizing former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti over their alleged roles in the ongoing leadership crisis within the party. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Abure accused both leaders of undermining the party’s internal peace and stability. He pointed to the formation of an illegal caretaker committee in Umuahia as the key catalyst for the current turmoil, claiming it has become a major obstacle to the party’s leadership structure.
Abure emphasized that the Labour Party was functioning smoothly before Obi’s entry into the party, asserting that the former Anambra State governor introduced internal conflicts that eventually led to his departure for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC). According to Abure, the crisis initiated by Obi and Otti has not only affected the Labour Party but is now being replicated within the NDC. He urged the NDC leadership to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent similar disruptions in their party.
“The party was running smoothly without major disagreement,” Abure stated. “It was Peter Obi and Alex Otti who went to Umuahia to set up this illegal caretaker committee that has become an albatross to the leadership of the party.” He stressed that as long as the crisis persists, discussions about the Labour Party’s leadership challenges will inevitably center on Obi and Otti, as they are the primary figures involved. Abure maintained that their actions have directly contributed to the instability, and therefore, the party cannot afford to remain silent.
He further warned that the same tactics used to create discord in the Labour Party are now being applied in the NDC, highlighting the need for other political parties to be cautious. “The same way they created crisis in the Labour Party is the same way they are creating crisis in the NDC,” Abure said. “That’s why I have only just said that the NDC leadership should be aware. I’m happy that they are gradually taming them and gradually controlling them, so that they will have peace in that party.”
Abure also defended his right to offer advice to leaders of other political parties, stating that it is part of his responsibility as a participant in Nigeria’s democratic process. “There is nothing wrong in giving advice to other leaders of other political parties,” he said. “After all, we are looking forward to having a Nigeria that works. We are working towards having good governance in the country.”
As the Labour Party continues to grapple with internal divisions, Abure’s remarks underscore the deepening rifts within the party and the broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The situation remains unresolved, and the future of the Labour Party’s leadership structure hangs in the balance.
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