By Toba Owojaiye
Abuja, Nigeria
The Labour Party (LP) is embroiled in a full-blown leadership crisis following the suspension of its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and former National Secretary, Farouk Umar, by the party’s National Caretaker Committee (NCC) led by Senator Nenadi Usman. The duo has been suspended for six months following serious allegations of financial misconduct and anti-party activities.
According to a report from the LP’s disciplinary committee, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, both Abure and Umar were implicated in “fraudulent financial transactions” that contravened the party’s rules and ethical expectations. The National Executive Council (NEC) ratified the committee’s recommendations, barring Abure from presenting himself as the National Chairman and warning of stricter sanctions if the suspensions were flouted.
The fallout from these developments has prompted strong reactions from key figures within the party. A group of Labour Party lawmakers—including Afam Ogene, Seyi Sowunmi, and Amobi Ogah—condemned Abure’s recent attempt to suspend party leaders, including Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, calling it “laughable” and “desperate.” Ogene, who leads the LP House of Representatives Caucus, stated that Abure’s authority had been rendered void by a recent Supreme Court judgment and described his actions as an attempt to cling to power after being lawfully ousted.
Truth Live News gathered that Governor Otti himself weighed in, branding Abure’s moves as a “desperate act by a clown looking for a crown.” He called for Abure’s arrest for impersonation and urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the Supreme Court’s decision in the interest of justice and institutional integrity.
The crisis is further complicated by conflicting court decisions over the past year. In October 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja validated the controversial March 2024 Nnewi Convention and reinstated Abure as National Chairman. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered INEC to recognize Abure’s leadership—a ruling that Abure’s supporters widely celebrated.
However, this was short-lived. In April 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a counter-ruling in favor of the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee. The apex court invalidated the earlier Court of Appeal judgment, declaring that the lower court lacked jurisdiction and affirming that Abure’s leadership had effectively expired with his tenure in June 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has found itself entangled in the controversy. Initially, the commission declined to recognize Abure’s leadership, citing the expiration of his tenure and the invalidity of the March convention. However, after the October 2024 Federal High Court ruling, INEC appeared to reverse its position by listing Abure on its platform and inviting him to consultative meetings.
In a recent clarification, INEC stated that its listings were based on prior court orders and not reflective of recent developments. It denied recognizing any factional leadership and emphasized that the matter remains under judicial scrutiny.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Labour Party remains bitterly divided. While high-profile stakeholders like Peter Obi, Governor Otti, and Senator Ireti Kingibe support the caretaker committee, Abure has refused to back down. He insists his re-election at the Nnewi Convention was constitutional and that the Usman-led committee lacks legitimacy.
Abure’s supporters argue that the party is under siege from external interests and internal betrayal, while the caretaker committee accuses Abure of mismanaging party funds and undermining party unity.
The Labour Party’s leadership crisis now threatens its credibility ahead of critical electoral cycles. The suspension of Abure and Umar marks a significant turning point, but without unity and transparent internal reforms, the party risks alienating its base and eroding public trust.
“This is not about personalities; it’s about the soul of democracy. The Labour Party must rise above internal greed and factionalism to deliver on its promise to Nigerians.” — Senator Ireti Kingibe
Observers say the onus now lies on INEC, the courts, and internal party stakeholders to ensure the supremacy of the rule of law and protect the democratic foundations of the party.