Labour Party Leadership Crisis: Sacked Factional Leader Julius Abure Seeks Tinubu’s Help Amid Defeat



Labour Party Leadership Crisis: Sacked Factional Leader Julius Abure Seeks Tinubu’s Help Amid Defeat



By Torchlight News
Published: May 19, 2025

The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria continues to grapple with a deepening leadership crisis, as sacked factional leader Julius Abure makes a desperate plea for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the party’s internal struggles. On May 12, 2025, Abure’s faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) issued a statement calling for external intervention, a move that has raised questions about their legitimacy and motives, especially following the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 4, 2025, which officially removed Abure as the National Chairman of the LP.

Abure’s Defiance Despite Supreme Court Ruling

Julius Abure, who has been leading a faction of the Labour Party, appears unwilling to accept the Supreme Court’s verdict that ended his tenure as National Chairman. The apex court, in a unanimous decision, set aside a previous Court of Appeal ruling that had recognized Abure as chairman, stating that the matter of party leadership is an internal affair over which courts lack jurisdiction. The court further noted that Abure’s tenure had expired, effectively paving the way for new leadership under Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance and Senator, who was appointed as the caretaker chairman in September 2024.

Despite this clear ruling, Abure’s faction has continued to assert control, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from party stakeholders. The faction’s decision to appeal to President Tinubu—a leader of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC)—has fueled speculation that external forces may be influencing the ongoing crisis within the LP. Political analysts, as well as supporters of the Nenadi Usman-led faction, argue that Abure’s actions are a last-ditch effort to cling to power, undermining the party’s unity and democratic principles.

Alleged Threats and Safety Concerns

In their statement, Abure’s faction raised concerns about the safety of their leader, alleging that Abia State Governor Alex Otti had called for Abure’s arrest. The NWC accused Otti of orchestrating threats against Abure over the past few months, describing the governor’s actions as an overreach and a “blatant disregard for party authority.” They urged President Tinubu to “rein in” Otti to prevent what they termed “tyranny in a democratic system.”

However, these claims have been met with skepticism by supporters of the Usman faction. Many view the allegations as a tactic to garner sympathy and distract from Abure’s lack of legal standing as chairman. The Nenadi Usman-led leadership, backed by prominent LP figures like Peter Obi, Datti Baba-Ahmed, and Pat Utomi, has emphasized the need for unity and adherence to the rule of law, urging members to rally behind the caretaker committee as the legitimate body tasked with steering the party forward.

The Otti-Abure Clash: A Symptom of Deeper Issues

The conflict between Abure and Governor Alex Otti highlights the broader divisions within the Labour Party. Otti, who played a key role in convening the September 2024 meeting that appointed Nenadi Usman as caretaker chairman, has been a vocal advocate for reform within the LP. Alongside Peter Obi and other party leaders, Otti has pushed for a leadership that aligns with the party’s social democratic values and prepares it for the 2027 elections.

Abure’s faction, however, has resisted these changes, even going as far as announcing the suspension of Otti and other key members, including Senator Ireti Kingibe and Victor Afam Ogene, for alleged anti-party activities. This move has been widely condemned as baseless, given Abure’s lack of authority following the Supreme Court ruling. Supporters of the Usman faction argue that such actions only deepen the crisis, distracting the LP from its goal of providing a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties.

Nenadi Usman: A Path to Stability?

The appointment of Nenadi Usman as caretaker chairman has been hailed as a step toward restoring stability within the Labour Party. Usman, who emerged as leader following a meeting convened by Otti, Obi, and other LP stakeholders in Umuahia on September 4, 2024, has received support from influential party members, including activist Aisha Yesufu. Yesufu, a vocal supporter of Peter Obi, noted that Usman’s leadership could help the LP “realize its potential” and move away from “local champion” politics, focusing on the greater good of the party.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which dismissed Abure’s cross-appeal as unmeritorious, further solidified Usman’s position as the legitimate leader. The court’s admonition to political parties to respect their constitutions and internal processes was seen as a direct rebuke of Abure’s refusal to step down after his tenure expired. With the backing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has yet to officially recognize Abure’s faction post-ruling, Usman’s leadership appears to be the party’s best chance at unity.

A Call for Unity Under Legitimate Leadership

As the Labour Party navigates this challenging period, the focus must shift toward rebuilding trust and unity under a leadership that respects the rule of law. The Nenadi Usman-led faction has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and reform, qualities that are essential for the LP to regain its footing as a formidable opposition party in Nigeria.
Julius Abure’s appeal to President Tinubu, while notable, raises more questions than answers. Why would a faction of an opposition party seek intervention from the leader of a rival party, rather than relying on INEC or seeking a legal interpretation of the Supreme Court’s judgment? For many, this move only confirms suspicions of external interference, further eroding Abure’s credibility.

At Torchlight News, we believe the Labour Party has a bright future under the capable leadership of Nenadi Usman. The party must move beyond the distractions caused by Abure’s faction and focus on its core mission of advocating for social democracy and the rights of Nigerian workers. We call on all LP members to rally behind Usman and work together to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Your Thoughts 

What are your thoughts on the Labour Party’s leadership crisis? Do you support Nenadi Usman’s vision for the party’s future? Share your views in the comments below, and stay tuned to Torchlight News for the latest updates on this unfolding story.

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