The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria is embroiled in a deep leadership crisis, with two factions vying for control. On one side is Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman, and on the other is Lamidi Apapa, a factional leader claiming the chairmanship. This internal struggle has created significant tension within the party, leading to public disagreements and legal battles. Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has stepped into the fray, attempting to mediate a resolution. He has called on both Abure and Apapa to offer formal apologies as a prerequisite for their reintegration into the party. This call for reconciliation came during the inauguration of Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha as interim National Chairman and Secretary of the LP, respectively, an event orchestrated by Otti. The governor’s intervention, however, has been met with resistance from the Abure faction, further exacerbating the existing divisions.
The Abure-led faction has vehemently rejected Otti’s intervention and the subsequent inauguration of the interim leadership, labeling the entire process as illegal, unconstitutional, and inconsequential. They argue that only the duly elected National Chairman and National Secretary possess the constitutional authority to convene such a meeting and make leadership appointments. Umar Farouk, the factional National Secretary aligned with Abure, issued a statement condemning Otti’s actions and reiterating the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership. The statement emphasized that there are no vacancies within the party’s leadership structure and that Abure’s tenure extends until 2028. They further accused Otti of wasting state resources on trivial matters and operating in ignorance of the ongoing legal proceedings and internal party dynamics.
The crux of the dispute lies in the interpretation of the party’s constitution and the legitimacy of the processes followed in convening meetings and making appointments. The Abure faction points to specific articles within the constitution, namely Articles 14(4)(b) and 13(B)(xii), to substantiate their claim that the meeting held in Umuahia, where the interim leadership was inaugurated, was unconstitutional. They maintain that Otti and his supporters are acting in contravention of the party’s internal rules and procedures. Furthermore, they cite a Supreme Court ruling from April 4, 2025, which emphasized the importance of resolving intra-party disputes internally, according to the party’s constitution.
The ongoing power struggle within the LP has raised concerns about the party’s ability to effectively function and participate in future elections. The divisions and infighting threaten to undermine the party’s unity and weaken its position in the political landscape. The Abure faction, in their statement, has indicated that they are moving forward with preparations for the 2027 general elections, with or without Otti and his supporters. This declaration underscores the deep chasm that has developed within the party and the apparent unwillingness of the two factions to reconcile. The question remains whether the LP can overcome these internal challenges and present a united front in future electoral contests.
Otti’s call for apologies from both Abure and Apapa suggests a desire to reconcile the warring factions and restore unity within the party. However, the Abure faction’s rejection of his overtures and their insistence on the illegitimacy of the interim leadership appointments indicate that the path to reconciliation is fraught with obstacles. The ongoing legal battles and the entrenched positions of both sides further complicate the situation. It remains unclear how this leadership crisis will ultimately be resolved and what impact it will have on the LP’s future prospects.
The situation within the Labour Party highlights the challenges faced by political parties in Nigeria, particularly with regards to internal democracy and adherence to constitutional provisions. The power struggle between the Abure and Apapa factions serves as a reminder of the importance of establishing clear internal mechanisms for resolving disputes and ensuring that leadership transitions occur smoothly and in accordance with party rules. The ongoing crisis also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within political parties to build trust and maintain public confidence. The ability of the LP to resolve its internal conflicts and emerge stronger will be a key determinant of its future success in the Nigerian political arena.
