Abuja – The intense Labour Party leadership dispute saw a dramatic turn Sunday as the faction led by Julius Abure stationed police officers and private security guards at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. This security deployment responds to fears of a potential takeover attempt by the rival Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) faction, highlighting the deepening split within the party following a recent Supreme Court decision. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two police vans and several officers positioned strategically near the secretariat building.
Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary for the Abure-led LP, confirmed the security measures. He explained the move aims to prevent potential unrest caused by what his faction views as deliberate misinterpretations of the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling on the Labour Party leadership dispute.
Conflicting Claims Over Supreme Court Ruling
Umar Ibrahim, the National Secretary under Abure, released a statement accusing the NLC and its allied National Caretaker Committee, headed by Nenadi Usman, of planning an imminent “invasion” of the headquarters. Ibrahim alleged the group intended to mobilize supporters, potentially including hired individuals, to forcibly enter the building, seize documents, and cause damage. He further claimed this alleged plot had financial backing from Abia State Governor Alex Otti and another prominent, unnamed party leader.
“The judgment of the Supreme Court… is very clear,” Ibrahim asserted. “There is nowhere in the judgment that gave the NLC or the caretaker committee the power to take over the leadership of the Labour Party.” He stated Julius Abure remains the legitimate National Chairman after a March 2024 convention and vowed to resist any forceful removal. The statement urgently called on police and the DSS to maintain order and apprehend anyone attempting to disturb the peace.
NLC-Aligned Faction Denies Invasion Plot, Points to Ruling
When contacted, Tony Akeni, spokesperson for the opposing Nenadi Usman-led committee, expressed surprise at the invasion allegations, calling them criminal in nature. “Perhaps they are acting reverse psychology,” Akeni suggested, dismissing the claim as unfounded fear from the Abure camp. He firmly referenced the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing it invalidates Abure’s claim to the chairmanship.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that Abure is not in any position to put himself as the National Chairman,” Akeni said. He argued the proper course for the Abure group, following the ruling, would be to vacate the premises. Akeni indicated that if they refuse, lawful measures would be pursued to regain control of the party’s property. The Supreme Court had indeed set aside an earlier Appeal Court decision favouring Abure, emphasizing that internal party leadership matters are generally outside court jurisdiction and noting Abure’s contested term had expired.
Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South for the Labour Party, publicly welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict, interpreting it as the end of Abure’s chairmanship. He criticized Abure’s handling of the Labour Party leadership dispute post-2023 elections, suggesting personal conflicts overshadowed the party’s well-being. “Now that the Supreme Court has finally sealed it, so be it. It’s a welcome development,” Imasuen stated to journalists in Benin.
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