The Labour Party (LP) has raised alarm after its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, was allegedly assaulted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in what the party describes as a politically motivated attack.
Eyewitnesses said Abure, who was preparing to board a Max Air flight to Benin, was confronted by a woman later identified as Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama P. According to reports, the altercation began at the airport queue where Mama P allegedly pounced on the LP Chairman, hurling accusations at him over internal party disputes.
Attempts by airport security and airline staff to douse the tension proved abortive, as the confrontation reportedly spilled onto the flight and continued throughout the journey. Passengers and crew were left in shock as the woman allegedly persisted in verbally and physically attacking Abure.
On arrival at the Benin Airport, the drama escalated until security operatives intervened, escorting Abure to safety. The assailant was subsequently handed over to the police for questioning.
In a statement issued late Friday, the Labour Party condemned the incident, describing it as a sponsored attack aimed at destabilising the party’s leadership. The statement alleged that “anti-democratic forces” opposed to Abure’s leadership were behind the incident, noting that the assailant had boasted of her connections within the police hierarchy and threatened more attacks in a video circulating online.
The LP stressed that assault and cyberbullying are criminal acts, demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of the woman and her alleged sponsors. “We call on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to rise to the occasion and ensure that no individual, no matter their connections, is above the law,” the statement read.
The incident comes against the backdrop of deepening internal wrangling in the Labour Party, where Abure’s leadership has been repeatedly challenged by rival factions. Only recently, the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee called for Abure’s prosecution over alleged corruption and forgery, further fuelling division within the party.
Despite the turbulence, the Labour Party urged its supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, promising to pursue legal redress.
As at press time, the police are yet to release an official statement on the matter.