The Labour Party (LP), once a symbol of reform and people-driven politics, is now embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis that has exposed the party’s internal fractures and alleged abuse of power. At the center of the turmoil is embattled former National Chairman, Julius Abure, whose defiant grip on power has now been cut short by a decisive ruling from the Supreme Court.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central and a key figure within the LP, minced no words during his appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television. Umeh declared that the Supreme Court’s recent verdict has “shut the door” on Abure’s continued leadership, insisting that the latter must step down in accordance with both judicial authority and moral responsibility.
“The door has been shut on him. The Supreme Court was clear: when a party officer’s tenure ends, he must leave. Abure knows his time is up but continues to defy court rulings and internal agreements,” Umeh stated.
According to Umeh, Abure not only ignored internal party agreements but also violated a consent judgment issued by the Federal High Court that required him to conduct congresses and organize transparent internal processes—actions that never occurred.
“Since that agreement, not one congress has been held anywhere by Abure,” Umeh added, implying deliberate obstruction of democratic processes within the party.
Corruption Allegations Cloud Abure’s Defiance
Insiders allege that Abure’s refusal to vacate office is driven less by party loyalty and more by control over party finances and influence. Accusations of mismanagement of funds, unilateral decisions, and patronage politics have become frequent under his leadership. Several party officials claim that Abure’s tenure has been characterized by a “cult of personality” rather than collective leadership.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling that leadership matters within political parties are internal affairs beyond court jurisdiction, it also affirmed that Abure’s tenure had legally ended. The judgment dealt a blow to the Abure faction’s appeal and gave weight to the position of the party’s caretaker committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, and supported by influential party figures such as Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.
Olive Branch or Power Grab?
Umeh has advised Abure to accept the olive branch extended by the Caretaker Committee and rejoin the party structure through due process—if he genuinely believes he still enjoys popular support.
“He cannot appoint himself chairman. If the people want him, let him come back through proper channels,” Umeh stated.
But critics warn that the so-called “olive branch” may merely be a tactical move in a broader political chess game, with both factions vying for control ahead of the 2027 elections. The Caretaker Committee, despite its reformist front, has also come under scrutiny for alleged backroom deals and lack of transparency in its formation.
Obi, Otti Align With Usman Faction
Notably, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti have publicly thrown their weight behind the Usman-led committee. Last week, they led a delegation of party members to INEC headquarters, demanding formal recognition of Usman as the legitimate chairperson.
With the apex court’s ruling now providing judicial clarity, pressure is mounting on Julius Abure to exit gracefully—or face deeper legal and political consequences. The leadership saga, however, has already done damage to the Labour Party’s credibility, painting a picture of a party struggling with the same rot it once claimed to oppose.
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