LP Crisis Deepens as Abure, Abia Gov Clash Over NWC Tenure

The turmoil within the Labour Party intensified on Tuesday as the party’s leadership issued a stern warning to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to focus on governance and refrain from interfering in party administration.

At a press conference in Abuja, Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), expressed frustration over the party’s internal strife.

He criticized not only external critics but also the involvement of the party’s own members and leaders in the discord.

Abure’s discontent was triggered by Otti’s recent proposal to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 31, aiming to dissolve various party executive councils on the grounds that their tenures had ended.

He argued that such a decision is beyond Otti’s purview.

“The National Working Committee has established a disciplinary committee to address any members or leaders whose actions undermine the party.

“Even if we entertain the idea that the current NWC’s tenure has expired, it remains the responsibility of the national chairman and national secretary to call a NEC meeting to address this.”

Abure emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should formally communicate any concerns about the party’s convention or executive tenures.

He urged party members to focus on their roles and allow the leadership to manage party matters.

“Labour Party is not controlled by any single individual; it is a party for the people,” Abure added.

“Dr. Alex Otti’s assertion, based on a supposed INEC stance, is misleading and attempts to destabilize the party.

The Federal High Court has already validated our March 27 convention, and any speculation about executive tenures is unfounded.”

Abure’s statements indicate a deepening rift within the LP, potentially giving the All Progressives Congress (APC) an opportunity to challenge the party’s influence in Abia State, where it currently holds its sole gubernatorial seat.

Last week, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu declared that Otti would be the last LP governor of Abia State, vowing that the APC would take over in the 2027 elections.