Labour Party Faces Internal Turmoil As Abure Shuns Edo Campaign
2 min read
The Labour Party is embroiled in a significant internal crisis just days before the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
The party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, was notably absent from a major campaign rally on Wednesday, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about divisions within the party.
During the rally, attended by prominent party figures including Peter Obi and Aisha Yesufu, support was rallied for the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.
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However, Abure and his disputed National Working Committee (NWC) were conspicuously missing, leading to allegations of betrayal from Abure’s camp.
At a press conference in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed frustration with Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
He accused them of collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine Abure and his leadership.
“The party is miffed by the actions of our leaders,” Ifoh stated, highlighting how they had once depended on the party during their political struggles.
Ifoh further criticized the newly established caretaker committee, led by Nenadi Usman, asserting that it was formed undemocratically and lacked legitimacy. He emphasized the commitment of the Abure-led NWC to the party, recalling their loyalty during the 2023 elections.
“The same LP leadership stood by our then governorship candidate in Abia through thick and thin. Today, these leaders are now dancing ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ with us. What a shame, what a betrayal,” Ifoh lamented, referencing a viral folk song that has become a cultural touchstone in Nigeria.
In response to INEC’s claims regarding the validity of the Abure-led executives, Ifoh asserted that the party would continue its legal battle to contest the caretaker committee’s legitimacy. “We have since sued INEC, challenging its exclusion of our leadership from the commission’s refresher training for the upcoming elections,” he explained.
As the situation unfolds, the Labour Party faces a critical test of unity and resilience, with the outcome of the Edo State election potentially influencing its future direction amidst internal strife.
