Power Struggle Rocks Labour Party as Abure Discredits Obi’s Authority

The Labour Party (LP) has once again been plunged into internal turmoil as Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman, declared that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, lacks the authority to act on behalf of the party.

This comes amid growing tensions within the LP, following the recent formation of a 29-member caretaker committee spearheaded by former Senator Nenadi Usman.

The committee was reportedly constituted during an emergency convention convened by Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. Its mandate, according to members, is to reposition the party ahead of future elections.

However, Abure has rejected the legitimacy of the committee, insisting that its creation is unconstitutional and unauthorized.

“Peter Obi cannot act on behalf of the Labour Party in such a manner. He does not have the constitutional authority to call for any convention or establish any caretaker committee,” Abure said in a statement.

He further described the move as an attempt to hijack the party structure and destabilize its leadership.

In retaliation, Abure’s faction has announced the suspension of several party members aligned with the caretaker committee, citing acts of indiscipline and anti-party activities.

The crisis took another twist when reports surfaced that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no longer recognizes Abure as the party’s chairman. This development has emboldened the opposing faction, which insists that Abure’s tenure has expired and that he is operating without a legal mandate.

Akin Osuntokun, a senior party member and Obi’s campaign director-general during the 2023 elections, has defended the actions of the Obi-Otti group, asserting that the party requires a new direction and credible leadership. He maintained that the caretaker committee has a legitimate mandate, especially in the absence of clear recognition from INEC for Abure.

As the leadership tussle intensifies, observers warn that the deepening rift could fracture the party ahead of crucial political contests.

While both factions insist on their legitimacy, the inability to resolve the dispute internally may force the courts or INEC to step in.

The Labour Party, which rose to prominence under Peter Obi’s presidential bid, now faces a defining moment as it struggles to maintain unity and credibility in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.