Embattled former Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has fired back at accusations made by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, insisting that the duo are responsible for the ongoing turmoil in the party, not any alleged influence from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abure’s response comes after Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, accused the APC-led Federal Government of meddling in the party’s internal affairs in a bid to destabilize it. Obi’s claims drew public attention, suggesting that external forces were behind the leadership crisis that has divided the party since early 2024.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Labour Party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the faction loyal to Abure denied any APC involvement. The statement clearly pointed fingers back at Obi and Otti, accusing them of igniting the crisis by setting up an unauthorized caretaker committee in Umuahia, Abia State.
“The current challenges in the Labour Party were not created by the ruling APC but by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti,” the statement read. “They are the ones who unconstitutionally set up a caretaker committee in Umuahia, Abia State, thereby polarizing the party and violating established court rulings.”
Abure, who continues to claim leadership of the party despite months of legal battles, says Obi and Otti are attempting to take control of the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He notes that after failing in their efforts, the two men turned to accusing others instead of accepting blame for their actions.
He also defended his contributions during the 2023 election cycle, stating that the Labour Party fully supported Obi’s presidential bid. Abure claims the party machinery, under his leadership, worked tirelessly to campaign across the country and provided legal backing during the election tribunal.
The statement added: “Peter Obi himself admitted during the interview that Julius Abure remains the National Chairman. It’s time he and his supporters accept that fact and stop spreading divisive and misleading narratives.”
