The Labour Party has plunged deeper into internal crisis as its newly constituted caretaker committee, led by former Finance Minister, Senator Nenadi Usman, formally launched a probe against the embattled former national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, over a slew of serious allegations, ranging from corruption and misappropriation of party funds to anti-party activities.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Usman accused Abure of refusing to relinquish control of the party despite his removal, continuing to parade himself as national chairman, and treating the Labour Party as his personal political enterprise.
According to her, “Abure has consistently undermined party unity and discipline, prioritising personal ambition over the collective interest of the Labour Party.” She noted that the party under his watch was run in a manner that sidelined due process and transparency.
To address the growing discontent within the party ranks, Senator Usman announced the formation of a disciplinary panel chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary. The panel is charged with investigating the allegations and recommending appropriate disciplinary actions.
Barrister Abure has been summoned to appear before the panel to respond to numerous petitions and charges against him. Among the issues raised are his alleged hijacking of party structures and failure to organize congresses at ward, local government, state, and zonal levels — a necessary precursor to any legitimate national convention.
The caretaker committee also expressed concern over what it described as Abure’s unilateral decision-making, which they claim has weakened the party’s internal democracy.
In a bid to restore order and credibility, the Usman-led committee promised to soon release a timetable for proper congresses and the transparent election of new national executives.
This internal shakeup comes shortly after the Abure-led faction of the party had set up its own disciplinary panel targeting high-profile figures like Abia State Governor Alex Otti, over alleged anti-party activities — a move many now see as a deflection amid rising scrutiny over Abure’s own leadership.
With party loyalists and political watchers awaiting the outcome of this dramatic leadership struggle, all eyes are on the Labour Party to see whether it will emerge stronger or further fractured.