Labour Party Caretaker Committee Challenges Abure’s Leadership, Launches Probe Over Corruption Allegations

 

A fierce internal crisis has erupted within the Labour Party (LP) as Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairperson of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, issued a stern ultimatum to Julius Abure, warning him to cease presenting himself as the national chairman of the party. The situation has exposed deep divisions and raised questions about the party's internal governance and adherence to democratic principles.

During a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Usman declared that Abure has been given 48 hours to defend himself before disciplinary action is taken over his continued claims to the party’s chairmanship. The ultimatum comes amidst a flurry of allegations leveled against Abure, ranging from corruption to forgery, and a growing outcry over his alleged misuse of party structures and disregard for internal processes.

Senator Usman’s tone reflected the gravity of the crisis. She described Abure as an “impostor” whose conduct not only contravenes the values of the Labour Party but also damages its reputation at a critical time. According to Usman, Abure has consistently undermined the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and institutions by ignoring established protocols and refusing to subject himself to internal accountability mechanisms.

The caretaker committee, which assumed leadership following what it described as an “institutional collapse” under Abure’s tenure, has now constituted a disciplinary panel to investigate the mounting allegations against him. The panel will be chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, while seasoned political figure Peter Ameh has been appointed as the panel’s secretary. Their mandate is to thoroughly examine petitions against Abure, conduct hearings, and recommend necessary disciplinary measures.

This panel, according to the committee, represents a step toward re-establishing order, transparency, and democratic values within the party. Senator Usman emphasized that the disciplinary process will be rigorous and impartial, ensuring that due process is followed and the integrity of the party is preserved.

Usman accused Abure of hijacking the Labour Party’s structures, including manipulating the scheduling and conduct of party congresses. Under his leadership, she said, the party failed to organize ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses that are prerequisites for a legitimate national convention. This failure, she argued, delegitimizes any claim he has to national leadership and places the party in constitutional jeopardy.

According to the caretaker committee, the alleged irregularities reflect a broader pattern of authoritarian control, where internal dissent was silenced and party mechanisms were bypassed. Usman insisted that the Labour Party must no longer be a vehicle for personal ambition, but a genuine platform for democratic expression and the promotion of the public good.

Abure’s refusal to acknowledge the authority of the caretaker committee has further deepened the crisis. Despite growing internal and external pressure, he has continued to hold himself out as the party’s leader, drawing the ire of many who see this as a dangerous challenge to institutional order. The committee noted that his defiance and political maneuvering are distractions from more pressing issues, particularly the serious allegations that have been brought against him.

Usman called on Abure to redirect his focus toward addressing the corruption and forgery claims rather than engaging in what she termed “acts of political sabotage.” She warned that the party cannot and will not be held hostage by personal interests, reiterating the committee’s commitment to restoring democratic order and ensuring full accountability.

The leadership further criticized the perceived personalization of the party, noting that the absence of internal checks and balances under Abure had created a leadership vacuum and enabled unaccountable power structures. The caretaker committee vowed to rebuild trust by enforcing strict adherence to constitutional processes.

As part of its restructuring agenda, the Usman-led committee announced plans to roll out a detailed timetable for the conduct of ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses. This will culminate in the election of a new set of national executives in accordance with the Labour Party’s constitution and the Nigerian Electoral Act.

While some party members continue to back Abure, citing his role during the 2023 general elections and his strong grassroots network, the caretaker committee maintains that legitimacy must flow from process, not personality. Political observers warn that the Labour Party could face long-term instability if the current impasse is not resolved swiftly and lawfully.

Calls for a political solution, however, remain largely unanswered. The party now finds itself at a crossroads, with two rival factions laying claim to legitimacy and preparing for what could become a protracted battle for control.

As the 48-hour deadline draws nearer, all eyes are on Julius Abure. Whether he chooses to respond to the summons and face the disciplinary panel, or continue his defiant posture, could shape not just his future in the party but also the direction of the Labour Party itself.

The coming days may prove decisive for the party’s unity, credibility, and ability to function as a viable political force ahead of future elections.