The Labour Party’s leadership crisis flared up again on Thursday. Julius Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC) insisted there is no leadership vacuum and urged Abia State Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to respect the Supreme Court’s verdict.
At a press conference in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, spoke on Abure’s behalf. He said the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, 2025, affirmed the party’s March 27, 2024, national convention in Nnewi.
“The court reaffirmed the Nnewi convention,” Ifoh stated. “It dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum. Our convention followed the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.”
He emphasized that political parties are corporate entities with their own rules. Members are legally bound by these rules once they join. Ifoh cited the 2015 Supreme Court case Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly, which upheld party autonomy.
Otti and Obi Accused of Causing Division
He accused Governor Otti and Obi of creating confusion in the party. “They must respect the court’s ruling. Their actions deepen division and damage party unity,” he warned.
Ifoh also reminded members to use internal mechanisms to resolve disputes. He quoted the court’s advice for parties to follow their own constitutions during conflicts.
Abure’s comments came two weeks after Obi and Otti’s supporters held a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja. At the meeting, they presented the 48-page Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment.
Otti claimed the document ended all misinterpretation of the ruling. But the Abure-led camp disagreed. They maintained the court ruling supported their leadership.
Tony Akeni, spokesperson for the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, asked for more time when contacted. He said he was unwell and would call back. He has not responded as of the time of this report.
Peter Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, could not be reached for comment either.
The leadership struggle between Abure and Usman continues. Despite the court’s ruling, both sides interpret the verdict differently. The internal fight threatens the unity and strength of the Labour Party.
Observers fear the crisis could harm the party’s future, especially as it prepares for upcoming elections.
