- Abure challenges Obi and Otti to name individuals who received 2023 campaign funds through the LP
- LP's internal crisis deepens as both factions exchange suspensions and corruption allegations
- Abure warns of damaging revelations if leaders continue pushing against current party leadership
Julius Abure, the factional national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has openly challenged party leaders Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti to disclose the identities of those who allegedly received funds for the 2023 general election under the party’s platform.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, May 12, at the LP national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, which was convened by Honourable Joshua Chinedu Obika, who represents the AMAC/Bwari federal constituency, Abure accused some elected party members of working behind the scenes to discredit and remove the current leadership despite previous sacrifices made on their behalf.
He claimed that the party leadership rejected substantial financial inducements offered in exchange for electoral nominations. According to him, the party never collected any money from Otti for his gubernatorial ticket in Abia State.
“We turned down billions. Today, those we supported without taking a kobo are the ones leading the charge to force us out of office,” Abure said.
The LP chairman challenged Obi, Otti, and other candidates to come forward with evidence of any money they claim to have given the party during the 2023 elections.
“Let them state clearly who received what, where, and when. If they can’t provide that information, they should stop insinuating corruption,” he further stated.
Abure said he had earlier chosen silence when allegations emerged about unpaid polling unit agents, believing the party could eventually reconcile its differences. However, he warned that continued provocations could compel him to reveal more details, which he claimed would severely damage reputations.
“If pushed further, I will go public with everything I know. And when that happens, some people’s images will be permanently tarnished,” he warned.
Labour Party’s ongoing power struggle
The Labour Party has been enmeshed in a bitter leadership tussle, with Abure and his loyalists on one side and a caretaker committee led by former senator Nenadi Usman on the other. The Usman-led group has the backing of Obi, Otti, and Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory.
In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to affirm Abure as LP chairman. Since then, both factions have interpreted the judgment in their favour, leading to heightened tensions.
On May 7, Abure’s camp suspended Otti and Kingibe, accusing them of anti-party activities. That same day, the caretaker committee formed a panel, chaired by Kingibe, to investigate Abure over alleged financial misconduct and disloyalty.
Subsequently, the committee announced Abure’s suspension and Otti petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest Abure for alleged impersonation.
Labour Party leaders meet to discuss future, 2027 elections
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, called for a crucial meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The meeting took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Abuja. According to a notice jointly issued by Obi and Otti, the NEC meeting will be followed by an interactive town hall engagement with major stakeholders and other key party organs.
