Labour Party's Julius Abure Issues Stern Warning Amid Corruption Allegations, Challenges Leaders to Present Evidence

 

Amid growing tension within the Labour Party, its embattled former National Chairman, Julius Abure, has issued a fiery rebuttal to corruption allegations swirling around his leadership. In a recently released video broadcast by Symfoni, Abure directly addressed accusations of financial impropriety, declaring his readiness to confront anyone challenging his integrity.

The party figurehead, who has been under pressure over alleged mishandling of funds during the 2023 general elections, launched a stinging counteroffensive, warning dissenters of the consequences of their continued public criticism. He took particular aim at former presidential aspirants under the Labour Party platform, demanding that they either provide tangible proof of financial contributions made to him or remain silent.

According to Abure, he never received any personal funds from party candidates, including the high-profile presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi. “I want to challenge all of them—from Peter Obi down that contested the election. Let any of them come out and tell the world what they personally gave to me or to the party,” he declared defiantly. “If they have evidence, let them present it. If they don’t, let them forever hold their peace.”

Rather than addressing the party’s leadership directly, Abure claimed that his critics were resorting to indirect attacks through the media, which he described as “cowardly whispers.” He condemned such tactics and hinted at a forthcoming press conference, where he promised to unveil explosive revelations about individuals within a faction of the party attempting to undermine him.

“I kept quiet for too long,” he said. “I believed in leadership, in reconciliation. But they are pushing beyond boundaries. I am waiting for them to make the next move. And when I open my mouth, wherever they go, they will smell like rotten eggs that no one will buy.”

Abure’s frustration also extended to Labour Party’s elected representatives, particularly Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the party’s only serving governor. He criticized Otti for allegedly failing to support the party financially during his campaign. “Look at the governor that is jumping like a cricket from one point to another. We didn’t collect a dime from him,” he asserted.

According to Abure, their meeting at Transcorp Hotel revealed Otti’s reluctance to offer financial backing to the central party structure. “When I met him at Transcorp, he asked me, ‘Chairman, what do I do for you?’ I said, ‘Nothing. Use your money for your election,’” Abure recounted, suggesting that many elected Labour politicians opted for self-centered campaign strategies rather than collective party growth.

He acknowledged that while a handful of lawmakers contributed modest amounts to the party’s efforts, most remained disengaged from the broader mission. Abure lamented that the party’s leadership, despite rejecting massive bribes running into billions of naira during the election period, is now under siege from within.

“We rejected offers because of the integrity of the positions we held,” he claimed. “But today, these same people are trying to throw us out.”

The ongoing rift has further exposed deep internal fractures within the Labour Party, revealing a lack of cohesion among its leadership and a growing battle for control. As tensions escalate, Abure’s statement marks a new chapter in the unfolding political drama that continues to destabilize the party’s foundation ahead of future elections.

The implications of this power struggle may be significant for a party that only recently positioned itself as a rising alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether Abure follows through on his threats of public exposés or whether reconciliation is still possible remains uncertain—but the warning has been issued, and the next move could very well define the party’s trajectory.