The internal turmoil within Nigeria’s Labour Party has intensified, as the caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman has opened a formal probe into former National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, over allegations ranging from financial misappropriation to anti-party activities.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Usman accused Abure of flouting his removal by continuing to act as the party’s national chairman, while allegedly exploiting the party’s structure for personal and political gain. She described his actions as “a flagrant abuse of internal democratic processes,” claiming he ran the party like a personal empire.
In response, the caretaker committee has constituted a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary. The panel has officially summoned Abure to answer to several petitions, including allegations of corruption, unauthorized decisions, and undermining the party’s unity.
The committee also criticized Abure for failing to organize ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, which are prerequisites for convening a valid national convention. Senator Usman assured party members that internal democracy would be restored, with a new timetable for congresses and executive elections set to be released soon.
This development comes amid escalating tensions within the party. Just days earlier, the Abure-led faction initiated a separate disciplinary process against Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other party figures accused of anti-party activities. That committee, chaired by Ayo Olorunfemi, was given two weeks to deliver its findings.
The deepening rift highlights growing factionalism in the Labour Party, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since its strong showing in the 2023 general elections. Political analysts say the crisis, if left unresolved, could erode the party’s credibility and hinder its momentum ahead of future elections.
