You Sold Out, Destroyed Party Integrity, Otti’s Aide Accuses Abure

The internal crisis rocking Labour Party deepened on Tuesday as Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, launched a scathing attack on the party’s suspended National Chairman, Julius Abure, accusing him of compromising the party’s integrity and weakening its democratic foundation.

In a strongly worded statement, Ekeoma alleged that Abure has become a destructive force within the Labour Party, prioritizing personal ambition over the collective vision and values of the movement.

He described Abure’s continued claim to leadership as not only illegitimate but also harmful to the unity and credibility of the party.

“Julius Abure has done more harm than good to the Labour Party. He has manipulated party structures, sidelined critical voices, and is attempting to forcefully impose his authority without regard for due process or democratic norms,” Ekeoma stated.

He further claimed that Abure’s actions are the primary cause of the deepening divisions within the party, adding that rather than provide leadership that unites members across the country, Abure has allegedly used his position to promote personal interests and sow discord.

Ekeoma also defended Governor Otti’s recent efforts to reorganize the party through the formation of an interim caretaker committee tasked with restoring order and credibility.

He insisted that the move was necessary, given the vacuum of leadership and the widespread dissatisfaction with Abure’s conduct.

“Governor Otti has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the values that brought the Labour Party into national reckoning. His attempt to salvage the party from collapse should be commended, not attacked,” Ekeoma said.

These comments come against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Governor Otti and Abure, who has in recent weeks claimed to have suspended Otti from the party—a declaration Otti’s camp dismissed as laughable and without legal standing. Otti’s aides maintain that Abure no longer holds legitimate authority following a court ruling that they say invalidated his chairmanship.

Party insiders suggest that the feud has split the Labour Party into opposing camps, with several key figures backing Otti’s push for reform while others remain loyal to Abure.

There are also allegations that Abure, alongside former presidential candidate Peter Obi, is plotting to expel Otti from the party—a move Ekeoma described as a diversionary tactic and an act of desperation.

As calls grow louder for a national convention and a fresh leadership election, the future of the Labour Party hangs in the balance.

Stakeholders and political observers warn that if the crisis is not resolved soon, the party risks losing the momentum and public goodwill it built during the 2023 general elections.