The Labour Party’s internal crisis has taken a dramatic turn as the Julius Abure-led faction publicly expressed disappointment and anger towards its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. The faction feels betrayed by their actions, which they believe are undermining the party’s leadership.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh emphasized that the party had welcomed Obi and others with open arms when they were denied tickets in their former parties. “Many of these men, who are holding several political offices but suddenly turned warriors today, seeking the head of Julius Abure to be served on a platter, were rolling on the floors, begging for tickets. Some couldn’t even afford to pay for the nomination forms”
The Abure faction highlighted their unwavering support for Obi during the 2023 general election, navigating the country to canvass votes and facing numerous challenges. They also stood by the party’s governorship candidate in Abia, ensuring victory against all odds.
However, the faction is now faced with a leadership crisis, sparked by Obi and Otti’s involvement in the appointment of a caretaker committee, led by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman. This move has been met with resistance, as the Abure faction views it as an attempt to usurp power.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has further complicated the situation by filing a counter-affidavit, challenging the tenure of Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC). INEC claims that the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure as chairman, is invalid.
The Abure faction also condemned Obi and Otti’s actions, stating that they should be defending the party instead of contributing to its internal strife. “They ought to know that the Labour Party is going through these challenging times simply because of its role in defending both leaders during the 2023 general election”
“Many of these men, who are holding several political offices but suddenly turned warriors today, seeking the head of Julius Abure to be served on a platter, were rolling on the floors, begging for tickets. Some couldn’t even afford to pay for the nomination forms.
“The Labour Party leadership went to the trenches with our presidential candidate, cascading through the nooks and crannies of Nigeria canvassing for votes. We went through the entire judicial hurdles, dared the principalities and powers. We were haunted, maligned and, in some cases, chased around by agents of the state because of our unflinching commitment and uncompromised standing with our presidential candidate.
“The same LP leadership stood by our then governorship candidate in Abia through thick and thin, snubbing all sorts of pressures, weathering the political and judicial storms to ensure that victory was achieved. Today, these leaders are now dancing ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ with us. What a shame, what a betrayal.”
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