Victor EzejaSummary
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The Labour Party Caretaker Committee Chairperson, Senator Nenadi Usman, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to remove the name of Barrister Julius Abure as national chairman from its web portal .
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWith the festering crisis in the party arising from power struggles, Usman urged INEC to urgently show leadership and transparency by ensuring that the details of the new Leadership of the Labour Party in line with the recent Supreme Court Judgement are uploaded on Commission’s web portal.
Usman made the call in a statement released on Thursday.
She said the recent apex court verdict has effectively removed Abure from Office and expressed concern that the continued display of the name on the INEC portal causes confusion, especially for members of the public about current authentic leaders of the Labour Party.
While noting that the Legal Department of INEC has submitted its report to the Commission to update the party’s leadership on the portal in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, she therefore it to act accordingly.
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“We urge INEC to urgently show leadership and transparency by ensuring that the details of the new Leadership of the Labour Party per the Supreme Court Judgement, are complied with, without further delay,” Usman stated.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis for more than one year. Abure, who led the party into the 2023 general election, claims he remains the authentic National chairman, while Usman-led National Caretaker Committee created in September 2024 lays claim to that as well.
Usman explained that the apex court ruling set aside the earlier rulings of the High Court and Court of Appeal which recognised Abure as the national chairman of the party. She stated that while her appeal was sustained, the cross appeal filed by Abure was struck out.
Usman declared that Abure has been suspended by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party from illegally parading himself as national chairman, adding that his tenure has long expired.
She said Abure’s actions not only violate court orders, but also bring the image of the Labour Party to disrepute.
“After a careful and comprehensive review of the Supreme Court judgment delivered on Friday, April 4, 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) is deeply concerned by the subsequent actions of Barr. Julius Abure, particularly his continued impersonation of the esteemed office of the National Chairman of the Labour Party. These actions have not only violated the spirit and letter of the law but have also brought the image and integrity of our great party into disrepute.
“In the exercise of its constitutional mandate and in strict accordance with the disciplinary provisions of the Labour Party Constitution 2019 (As Amended), the NEC, in session, hereby announces the immediate suspension of Barr. Julius Abure from the Labour Party, effective today, the 7th day of May, 2025, in the first instance.
“Mr. Abure is hereby warned to desist from parading himself as the National Chairman of the Labour Party or impersonating the office in any form. He should also not present himself to anyone as a member of the Labour Party.
“The apex court of the land has clearly and finally nullified his claim to leadership, and his tenure has long expired by the passage of time,” she stated.
The former Kaduna lawmaker and ex-finance minister further stated Abure’s “continuing acts of reckless denigration of the party leadership and open war” against the party have nullified his membership of the party.
This comes after the Abure-led faction announced suspension of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Senators Ireti Kingibe, Darlington Nwokocha and three others indefinitely from the party.
The suspension was contained in a statement signed by Umar Farouk Ibrahim, LP National Secretary, released on Wednesday.
However, countering that, Usman said Mr Abure and his expired National Working Committee lack the legal or moral authority to take any disciplinary action against Otti or any other member of the Labour Party.
Usman said the NEC urges Otti and other members of the party to disregard Abure’s pronouncement, describing it as “ignorance and orchestrated disillusionment.”
She also stated that the LP’s NEC has passed a vote of confidence on the 2023 presidential candidate and leader of the party, Mr Peter Obi and Otti for the values they portray their exemplary leadership and unwavering loyalty to the vision of LP.
On behalf of the party leadership, she tendered an unreserved apology to Obi and Otti for what she called “uncouth and irresponsible remarks” previously made by Abure.
She maintained that despite the turbulence, the party remains united and strengthened under leadership, adding that acts of impunity and personal ambition above party interest will no longer be tolerated.
She reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to rebuilding the Labour Party as a true vehicle for national transformation and called on all party members irrespective of past events to continue to support the current leadership, as the caretaker committee plans to hold ward, local, state congresses and national convention to elect substantive leaders.
“We call on all Labour Party members across Nigeria, irrespective of past disagreements or affiliations, to continue to support the current leadership and refuse to be demonized by Abure who has played his last card and is just clutching at straws. The Labour Party is your home, and we need every hand on deck to build the Party of our dreams.
“Let us unite to advance the limitless possibilities of a new Nigeria, one anchored on justice, equity, and the supremacy of the will of the people.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
