Crisis Deepens in Labour Party as Abure Warns Obi, Otti: ‘No Leadership Vacancy’

Tensions have escalated within the Labour Party ahead of a proposed National Executive Committee meeting convened by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, issued a stern warning on Monday, declaring unequivocally that there is “no vacancy” in the party’s leadership structure.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s national secretariat, Abure lashed out at Obi and Otti, branding their actions as acts of betrayal and internal sabotage.

He maintained that his chairmanship remains valid and grounded in the party’s constitutional framework, stressing that no faction or external pressure could override the legitimate leadership.

“There is no vacancy in our party,” Abure asserted. “In the Labour Party, we do not betray our candidates—even though, unfortunately, some have betrayed us after being given the platform. Let it be clear that I remain the National Chairman of the Labour Party.”

He further dismissed the legitimacy of any caretaker arrangement, stating that the party’s constitution does not support such mechanisms for leadership transition or reorganization.

According to him, recent interpretations of the Supreme Court’s ruling had been deliberately distorted to mislead members and the general public.

“We want to urge those who have been deceived by last week’s misleading interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment to disregard such speculation,” Abure said.

“The apex court was explicit that internal matters of political parties remain their exclusive preserve.”

The rebuke comes on the heels of a scheduled NEC meeting reportedly summoned by Obi and Otti, which is expected to take place on Wednesday in Abuja, followed by a town hall engagement at the Transcorp Hilton involving key party stakeholders.

Observers believe the clash is indicative of deeper fissures within the Labour Party’s ranks, particularly in the wake of growing calls for a leadership overhaul following the 2023 general elections.

While the Obidient Movement has continued to affirm Obi’s commitment to the party, insiders suggest there is mounting discontent over Abure’s continued grip on the leadership mantle.

This is not the first time internal discord has rocked the Labour Party.

In recent weeks, the Abure-led faction has raised alarm over alleged attempts by the Nigeria Labour Congress and other actors to “invade” the national secretariat, ostensibly to enforce a leadership change on the back of the Supreme Court’s verdict.

As the Wednesday NEC meeting draws closer, political analysts warn that the struggle for control could further fracture the party’s base unless an internal reconciliation mechanism is swiftly activated.

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