A faction of the Labour Party (LP), led by Acting National Chairman Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and Acting National Secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha, has initiated disciplinary action against the embattled factional chairman of the party, Julius Abure.
The development follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Abure’s removal from office, backing the legitimacy of the party’s Caretaker Committee chaired by Usman. In a statement released on Wednesday, the faction accused Abure of defying the apex court’s judgment and continuing to parade himself as National Chairman.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) has commenced disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Abure for acts of impersonation and conduct capable of undermining the integrity and unity of our party,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Abure has been issued a 48-hour ultimatum to provide a written explanation as to why further disciplinary sanctions should not be imposed on him. The NEC also constituted a special investigative committee to examine his alleged infractions, which include corruption, forgery, perjury, and criminal conspiracy.
“Mr. Abure is hereby warned to immediately cease identifying as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. His continued impersonation is a clear violation of the Supreme Court ruling and the party’s internal code of conduct,” it added.
The factional leaders accused Abure and his allies of engaging in divisive tactics that threaten the party’s cohesion and public image. They emphasized their commitment to transparency, accountability, and internal democracy, promising to uphold the party’s founding principles.
In a move to rally support and restore confidence, the NEC passed a vote of confidence in key party figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and all Labour Party caucus members at both national and state levels.
The statement concluded with an apology to Obi and Otti for public comments made by Abure in the heat of the leadership dispute, reiterating the faction’s loyalty to the party’s broader mission.
A fact sheet accompanying the release detailed the legal and political events that led to the leadership tussle, highlighting the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the legitimacy of the Usman-led caretaker committee while dismissing Abure’s appeal.
