Abure Labour Party Faction Holds Crucial NEC Meeting in Abuja Amid Deepening Crisis Over Leadership Legitimacy

 

Amid rising tension over the rightful leadership of the Labour Party (LP), a major political development unfolded on Monday as the faction loyal to Julius Abure held a high-stakes National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party’s National Headquarters in Abuja. This gathering, attended by senior figures of the party and influential stakeholders, comes as the party navigates through a period of internal disarray and political uncertainty.

The session featured a full house of top-ranking party officials, including National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, National Youth Leader Ken Ahanotu, and state chairmen representing the 36 states along with the Federal Capital Territory. One of the most notable presences at the meeting was Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman, used the platform to double down on his leadership and commitment to preserving the core values of the party. As he addressed the gathering, he struck a defiant tone, reaffirming his leadership and the struggle that built the party to national prominence.

“This is a party we have toiled for, given our time and lives to build. As long as I remain at the helm, the Labour Party will never be traded or compromised,” Abure declared with conviction.

He recalled the difficult journey through the 2023 elections, a period that saw the Labour Party experience an unprecedented surge in popularity, particularly among young voters and urban dwellers disillusioned with the country’s mainstream political options. Despite ongoing legal and political hurdles, Abure stressed that the party has continued to demonstrate resilience and cohesion in the face of adversity.

There was a palpable sense of urgency and seriousness in the air, not just about resolving internal divisions but also about repositioning the party for the 2027 general elections. As the Labour Party attempts to reassert its position as a formidable opposition force, Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s message carried particular significance.

“We must not let our internal issues destroy a party that has inspired millions across the country,” Baba-Ahmed said during his remarks.

He referenced the 2023 elections where, according to him, the party’s original vote tally stood at over 10 million before being whittled down to 6 million, an outcome he suggested did not reflect the true will of the people. While he stopped short of making accusations, his statement clearly hinted at electoral irregularities.

“I did not come here to take sides. I came to bridge divides,” he added, extending an olive branch to all aggrieved factions. “What we did in 2023 was groundbreaking. We challenged the status quo. Now, we must prepare ourselves for an even greater fight in 2027.”

The 2023 elections saw the LP rise as a significant third force, a development that stunned political observers and upended traditional dynamics in Nigerian politics. Led by Peter Obi as presidential candidate and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate, the party managed to reshape the conversation around governance, accountability, and citizen participation.

Yet, following the elections, the party has found itself plagued by leadership disputes. Rival factions have emerged, each laying claim to the national leadership structure. Court rulings, counter-rulings, and public altercations have only added to the confusion, threatening to erode the goodwill and momentum the party amassed just a year ago.

Despite this turbulence, Monday’s NEC meeting was positioned as a show of strength and unity by the Abure-led faction. The presence of all 36 state chairmen and top-ranking officials gave it the semblance of wide internal support.

Observers say the timing of the meeting signals a fresh push to control the narrative and reestablish authority within the party. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, internal stability will be essential if the Labour Party hopes to remain relevant and effective as a political force.

Stakeholders and analysts alike will now be watching to see if Abure’s faction can reach out to other groups within the party and forge a path to reconciliation. Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role as mediator and symbol of the party’s national appeal could prove vital in efforts to build bridges and restore unity.

The Labour Party remains at a crossroads. The outcome of this internal struggle may very well determine its viability as a true alternative to Nigeria’s entrenched political establishment in the years to come.