The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Nigerian House of Representatives has vehemently rejected the purported dismissal of its chairman, Afam Ogene, by the embattled former National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure. This action by Abure, who was recently removed from his position by the Supreme Court, has further deepened the internal strife within the party. The caucus, through a statement issued by Ogene, emphasized that the caucus leader is elected by the members themselves based on their assessment of leadership qualities and capacity, not appointed by the national chairman. This election took place on May 6, 2023, where Ogene secured a clear majority, further solidifying the caucus’s position that only its members have the authority to remove him. The caucus strongly condemned Abure’s attempt to exert control, characterizing it as a desperate move by a power-hungry individual embroiled in allegations of financial misconduct.
The caucus’s statement underscored the democratic process through which Ogene was elected, highlighting that 31 out of the 34 members present participated in the voting process, with Ogene securing 21 votes. This transparent election process, conducted by neutral members of the caucus, further reinforces the legitimacy of Ogene’s leadership. The caucus argues that Abure’s attempt to remove Ogene is a blatant disregard for the democratic principles upon which the party is founded. They see this as a sign of Abure’s desperation to retain control, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling and the widespread allegations of financial impropriety against him. The caucus reiterated its support for the Supreme Court’s decision, further isolating Abure and highlighting the deepening divisions within the party.
The caucus directly linked Abure’s actions to their public endorsement of the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the end of his tenure. They assert that this stance reflects the majority view within the LP House of Representatives members, a position they believe will be further demonstrated by the attendance at the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) and stakeholders’ meeting convened by the party’s national leader, Peter Obi, and Governor Alex Otti. This meeting is likely to serve as a significant platform for demonstrating the level of support for Abure and the legitimacy of his actions within the broader party structure. The caucus further accused Abure of attempting to access the caucus’s funds, interpreting this as another sign of his questionable financial dealings. They emphasized that the funds are secure and will be used according to the members’ decision, not at the discretion of the removed chairman.
The caucus’s statement painted a damning picture of Abure’s leadership, accusing him of financial misconduct, corruption, and undermining the party’s integrity. They pointed to incidents in various states, including Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo, and Edo, alleging Abure’s involvement in financial impropriety and compromising the party’s reputation. They further questioned his handling of party finances from the 2023 general elections, accusing him of leaving the party’s coffers empty despite raising substantial funds from the sale of nomination forms and other sources. The caucus emphasized the need for a clean break from Abure’s leadership, calling for a future based on integrity and accountability, a future they believe all party members can be proud of.
The caucus specifically pointed to the recent gubernatorial primary election in Anambra State, describing it as a “farce” marred by Abure’s alleged financial maneuvering. They challenged him to explain his conflicts with key figures within the party, such as Eze Oko Splendour in Ebonyi State and Kenneth Imasuagbon in Edo State, as well as the controversies surrounding the Anambra primaries. These allegations of financial impropriety, coupled with the Supreme Court’s ruling, paint a picture of a leader whose actions have eroded trust and caused significant damage to the party’s image. The caucus argues that Abure’s focus should be on addressing these allegations rather than attempting to cling to power through undemocratic means.
The caucus’s strong condemnation of Abure’s actions and their unwavering support for the Supreme Court’s decision signify a deepening rift within the Labour Party. Their emphasis on transparency, accountability, and democratic processes underscores their commitment to rebuilding the party’s image and moving forward under a leadership that upholds these values. The upcoming NEC meeting is likely to be a crucial moment in determining the future direction of the party and the extent to which Abure’s influence remains. The caucus’s bold stance signals a determination to hold Abure accountable and to usher in a new era of integrity and transparency within the Labour Party.
