It is not longer news, that the Labour Party has been in crisis for the past 2 years. Since the crisis of the 2023 presidential election loss was laid to rest and the election petition of Peter Obi was thrown out by the courts, the Labour Party has been moving from one crisis to another. And it has been a crisis of Leadership.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in internal conflicts and crises.
The party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, has been at the centre of controversy, with some members questioning his legitimacy. Although the Supreme Court has, has , affirmed Abure’s leadership, stating that issues concerning political party leadership are internal affairs that shouldn’t be subject to judicial interference, the crisis has continued.
The party has suspended several prominent members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, and House of Representatives members Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi. There have also been reports of defections, with some members joining other parties like the APC.
The party has declared its intention to remain independent in the 2027 general elections, with National Chairman Julius Abure stating that the party will focus on rebuilding, repositioning, and reconciling aggrieved members.
The party has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigerian workers, condemning decades of failed policies and systemic neglect that have left workers underpaid and overburdened. They’ve called for a political future that prioritizes workers’ rights and dignity.
The party has been working to establish a strong disciplinary mechanism to restore public confidence and maintain internal unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some notable figures associated with the Labour Party include:
Julius Abure: National Chairman
Peter Obi: dormer presidential candidate
Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor who has been suspended
The party’s current situation has raised concerns about its future and effectiveness in politics.
Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi are also embroiled in a bitter dispute within the Labour Party (LP). The conflict centers around allegations that Obi and Otti are attempting to seize control of the party’s leadership through covert means, bypassing established processes.
The LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) accuses Obi and Otti of collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine the party’s current leadership, led by National Chairman Julius Abure.
The party cites a Federal High Court ruling that affirmed the legitimacy of the NWC, elected during a valid convention in March 2024. Obi and Otti, however, reportedly claim that the tenure of the current executives expired in June 2024.
Otti and Obi allegedly formed a 29-member Caretaker Committee following an “stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, which the LP NWC deems illegitimate.
The LP leadership notes that the party stood by Obi and Otti during their struggles, despite facing immense and challenges. They view the current actions of Obi and Otti as a betrayal.
A factional leader of the LP, Abayomi Arabambi is unhappy citing their alleged anti-party activities.
The dispute has led to mutual accusations, with Obi claiming that the Federal Government is instigating the crisis within the LP, while the party leadership blames Obi and Otti for the internal strife.
Will Peter Obi run again in 2027 on the platfrorm of the Labour Party? Peter Obi has confirmed his intention to run for the presidency again in 2027 under the Labour Party platform.
This decision comes amid reports of potential opposition coalitions and discussions about possible alliances with other parties.
Obi has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, despite internal conflicts and speculation about his future plans.
Obi’s participation in opposition coalition meetings has sparked debate, with some interpreting it as a sign of potential alliances or ticket arrangements with other parties.
There have been rumors about Obi potentially accepting a Vice-Presidential role under Atiku Abubakar, but Obi’s supporters, known as “Obidients,” have rejected this idea, emphasizing their desire for Obi to be the presidential candidate.
Obi has mentioned that he would prefer not to run in his 70s, suggesting a potential retirement age for politicians, but he will be 65 in 2027, which might not impact his decision to run.
But can Obi get the Presidential ticket of Labour party?
Peter Obi’s chances of getting the Labour Party’s presidential ticket for 2027 seem uncertain due to recent developments within the party.
No Automatic Ticket: The Labour Party has declared that its presidential ticket for 2027 is open to all aspirants, and no candidate, including Peter Obi, will be granted an automatic ticket.
Party Rules: The LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, emphasized that the party’s rules dictate how candidates emerge, and automatic endorsements are not part of the process.
The LP is also dealing with internal conflicts, including criticism of Obi’s actions and potential repercussions for his involvement in coalition talks without party approval.
Given these factors, while Obi is interested in running, the Labour Party’s stance on open ticket contests and internal dynamics might affect his chances, reveals a party member.
Julius Abure is currently recognized as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, despite their internal conflicts and disputes.
The Federal High Court in Abuja and the Supreme Court have both affirmed Abure’s leadership, stating that the selection of party leaders is an internal matter outside the courts’ jurisdiction.
Although INEC initially argued that Abure’s tenure expired in June 2024 and refused to recognize his leadership the courts have ordered INEC to accord Abure’s leadership all the rights and privileges of a registered party.
The Labour Party has faced internal disputes, with some members questioning Abure’s legitimacy and others supporting his leadership. A faction of the party even elected a Caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, but Abure’s leadership has been upheld by the courts.
Abure was re-elected as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, and the Supreme Court’s ruling further solidified his position. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under Abure’s leadership remains the duly elected body to steer the party forward. Some don’t agree.
Overall, Julius Abure’s leadership of the Labour Party has been judicially affirmed, and he continues to lead the party.
What is the role of Sen. Nenadi Usman? She is a key figure in Labour Party, currently serving as the Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee.
Usman was appointed the Chairman of the Labour Party’s National Caretaker Committee in September 2024, tasked with restructuring the party and addressing its ongoing leadership issues.
She has the support of prominent party members, including Peter Obi and Alex Otti, who have expressed confidence in her ability to lead the party during this transitional period.
Probe into Abure: Usman has launched an investigation into Julius Abure, over allegations of corruption, misappropriation of party funds, and anti-party activities.
The committee, led by Usman, has been mandated to conduct ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, and a national convention to elect new leaders and rebuild the party.
However, Julius Abure’s faction disputes Usman’s leadership, citing a different interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment that led to her appointment.
Overall, Nenadi Usman’s leadership has been marked by efforts to reform the party and address internal conflicts, but the party’s future remains uncertain.
What kind of a person is Julius Abure, the National Chairman of Labour Party. His leadership has been marked by controversy and disputes within the party.
Abure’s leadership has faced opposition from within the party, with some members questioning his legitimacy and accusing him of financial impropriety. A faction of the party has urged him to step down, citing the expiration of his tenure.
So, the Labour Party is divided, with Abure’s leadership being disputed by some members. The party’s future remains uncertain, with some calling for reconciliation and others pushing for new leadership.
So what is the way forward for Labour party?
The Labour Party’s way forward seems uncertain due to its current internal conflicts and leadership disputes.
The party’s acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, has declared that the Abure era is over and the party is focused on rebuilding, uniting, and preparing for the Nigeria’s political future. She outlined plans for nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercises.
The party has multiple claimants to the National Chairmanship, including Senator Nenadi Usman, Julius Abure, and Lamidi Apapa, each with their own faction. The Supreme Court has ruled that leadership issues are internal affairs of parties and courts have no jurisdiction over them.
The party has begun disciplinary actions against some members, including Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who have been accused of anti-party activities.
The party’s future depends on resolving its leadership crisis and finding a unified direction. Senator Usman’s leadership has emphasized solidarity, discipline, and a commitment to the party’s vision.
Some key challenges the Labour Party faces include:
The party’s internal disputes and power struggles threaten its stability and effectiveness.
The legitimacy of the current leadership is disputed, with different factions claiming authority.
The party needs to find a way to unite its members and leaders behind a common vision and direction.
Ultimately, the Labour Party’s way forward will depend on its ability to resolve these challenges and find a path forward that works for all its members.
