Abure Clears Air on Meeting With Wike: “It Was Purely Private, No Political Undertone”

Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has broken his silence over the public reactions trailing his recent meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating emphatically that the meeting was entirely personal and bore no political implications.

Speaking during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of his faction of the party, Abure took time to clarify the widely circulated photograph showing him in company of the former Rivers State Governor.

The image, which quickly went viral, sparked intense speculation and criticism from some quarters, with many questioning the motive behind the encounter, especially considering the sensitive political climate.

“Before I read the resolution adopted by this NEC, let me make a few clarifications,” Abure began. “Last week, I had a photograph shot with the FCT Minister and it attracted a lot of comments, a lot of misconceptions, and a lot of talk. I felt that now that we are convening this meeting, it is the right moment to offer some context.”

Abure stated that his meeting with Wike had no bearing on party politics and was not an endorsement of any political realignment.

“Firstly, and very clearly, I want to state that I’m a Nigerian, I live in the FCT, and Nyesom Wike is the FCT Minister. I have a right, like any Nigerian, to interact with any public officer in the country,” he said. “The meeting was purely private and privileged. There’s nothing more to it.”

The Labour Party chieftain seized the opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty to the party’s ideals and principles, emphasizing that his integrity remains intact. “We have paid our dues in the Labour Party. We have nurtured this party for many years and, by the grace of God, today the party has become one of the most prominent political forces in Nigeria under my leadership,” he stated.

Abure emphasized that his commitment to the Labour Party remains unshakable and that he would never betray the ideology or compromise the values for which the party stands. “In my honour, I cannot compromise the integrity, the programme, or the ideology of this party. We will continue to defend the constitution of the party, its principles, and its interests, no matter the pressure.”

He recalled the pivotal role he played in building the party into a national force during the 2023 general elections, highlighting the unprecedented rise of the Labour Party into a dominant voice in Nigerian politics. “Some of us have not just talked the talk we have walked the talk. You saw that play out in the 2023 elections. It was under our watch that the Labour Party achieved what it never had in the past,” he said.

Abure assured members and supporters that he remains dedicated to the continuous development and promotion of the Labour Party as Nigeria’s true political alternative.

“We believe very strongly that the Labour Party is different from all other parties. And we have continued to demonstrate that difference through our actions and decisions.”

The party chairman’s remarks come amid ongoing internal struggles within the Labour Party, as different factions jostle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abure’s declaration appears aimed at quelling doubts about his political fidelity and distancing himself from any perceived alignment with Wike, who is considered a controversial figure within opposition ranks.

With these clarifications, Abure hopes to restore confidence among party members and reposition the Labour Party as a disciplined, people-oriented political platform committed to real change.