By Agboola Aluko – GLiDE NEWS | April 8, 2025
T he internal power struggle within the Labour Party escalated dramatically on Monday as two rival factions led by National Chairman Julius Abure and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi held separate National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings, further deepening the division in the opposition party.
Tensions soared after the Abure-led NEC convened at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, announcing the removal of Hon. Afam Ogene as the leader of the LP Caucus in the House of Representatives over alleged anti-party activities. Ogene was replaced by Hon. Ben Etanabene.
The development came amid growing tension in the party following the Supreme Court's recent ruling, which some members have interpreted as a validation of a caretaker committee led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman. The ruling appears to have emboldened Obi’s camp, which has now scheduled its own NEC meeting and stakeholders’ summit for Wednesday, April 9, in Abuja.
In a communique read to journalists after Monday’s meeting, LP National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk accused Ogene of undermining party unity in the National Assembly and failing to represent the party's ideology. The NEC also directed Ogene to hand over all party properties in his custody, including financial contributions from lawmakers.
Farouk hinted at looming disciplinary actions against Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, warning they could face sanctions if they proceed with the Wednesday meeting or engage in any activity that contravenes the party’s constitution.
“The NEC notes the various anti-party activities of Governor Alex Otti, including convening unauthorized meetings and conducting elections under a different political platform,” the communique stated. “The NEC cautions the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party.”
Security was tight outside the LP secretariat during Monday’s meeting, with several police vans and a crowd of suspected miscreants present, adding to the charged atmosphere.
Reacting to the leadership’s decision, Ogene defended his actions, expressing support for the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee and accusing the Abure faction of intolerance and a lack of internal democracy.
“Rather than heed our call for an inclusive resolution of internal conflicts, the party’s leadership has resorted to threats and name-calling,” Ogene said.
Meanwhile, Abure used the NEC platform to reaffirm his position as National Chairman, dismissing claims that the Supreme Court judgment had ousted him. He insisted that the court upheld the principle of party supremacy and rejected the formation of any caretaker committee.
“There is no vacancy in the leadership of the Labour Party,” Abure declared. “The constitution of our party does not recognize any caretaker committee. Those peddling such falsehoods are merely sowing confusion.”
He took veiled swipes at Obi and Otti, accusing them of betrayal and warning that disciplinary measures would apply to all members regardless of status.
The infighting has drawn criticism from various quarters. Acting National Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, questioned Abure’s continued occupation of the chairman’s office, describing the situation as “bizarre” and accusing Abure of defying the Supreme Court.
“Abure is no longer fighting Obi or Otti — he is now challenging the Supreme Court,” Ndubuaku said. “It’s either he steps aside, or we’re heading for a full-blown party implosion.”
Tony Akeni, spokesman of the Usman-led caretaker committee, also condemned the dismissal of Ogene, warning that Abure and his loyalists would soon face the consequences of their actions.
“He’s acting like an emperor in a crumbling empire,” Akeni remarked. “Soon, those he seeks to embarrass will be the ones setting the rules.”
The coming days are expected to be pivotal for the Labour Party. The Wednesday meeting called by Obi and Otti will be closely watched as both camps dig in for what now looks like a fierce contest over the soul of Nigeria’s third-largest political party.
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