Barrister Julius Abure, former National Chairman of Nigeria’s Labour Party
By Dr. Michael Omoruyi |Publisher, iNewsAfrica
As Nigeria’s political class begins the long campaign toward the 2027 presidential elections, the Labour Party (LP) finds itself in a perilous quagmire—less because of external opposition and more because of internal implosion. At the center of this storm stands Barr. Julius Abure, the party’s embattled former National Chairman, whose tenure and lingering influence have become a profound distraction, threatening to derail LP’s electoral momentum and undermine its most prominent figure, Peter Obi.
After the surprising surge of support the LP garnered in 2023—transforming from a fringe movement into a national force—hopes were high that it could evolve into a robust alternative to Nigeria’s entrenched political elite. However, rather than consolidating its gains, the LP has descended into a vortex of factionalism, mistrust, and legal warfare, much of it centered around Abure’s contested leadership.
Despite his removal from office amid serious allegations of financial impropriety—most notably an unaccounted ₦3.6 billion from campaign donations and nomination form sales—Abure has clung to influence. His actions culminated in a controversial convention in Nnewi that extended his tenure without the participation of key stakeholders like Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. That event further fractured the party, prompting rival factions and a caretaker committee endorsed by elements of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
In this environment of chaos and uncertainty, one faction has stood out as a stabilizing voice—the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC). The LPPMC has strongly advocated for internal democracy and accountability, calling for congresses at all levels of the party to restore transparency and grassroots inclusion. Unlike the power-seeking rhetoric of party elites, LPPMC’s call for structural reform represents a return to the democratic ideals that once fueled LP’s meteoric rise.
Moreover, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified Abure’s position, LPPMC hailed the judgment as a win for democratic order and party renewal. Their endorsement of a forensic audit and their open condemnation of internal litigations signal a clear intention to refocus the party’s energy toward unity and 2027 readiness. They have also welcomed new membership, recognizing that the influx of fresh supporters post-2023 demands a more inclusive and coherent leadership model.
Meanwhile, former allies and rising stars, including Valentine Ozigbo, have defected or distanced themselves, citing the leadership dysfunction as a primary deterrent. More concerning, however, is Abure’s recent declaration that the 2027 presidential ticket is “not reserved” for Peter Obi—an astonishing departure from the party’s unifying message in 2023. Such rhetoric fuels suspicion that Abure’s agenda may not align with the broader interests of the movement he once led.
As Nigeria’s political environment heats up, the Labour Party must make a fateful decision: cling to the ghosts of internal power struggles, or chart a forward-looking course rooted in transparency, unity, and reform—principles now championed by LPPMC. If LP intends to remain relevant in 2027 and beyond, it must urgently sever the distractions of the past—Abure included—and refocus on the future.
In politics, perception is power. And right now, the Labour Party risks being perceived not as the beacon of new politics, but as just another party gripped by old crises. Whether it can reclaim the moral high ground may depend on how far it is willing to empower reformist forces like the LPPMC—and silence the shadows of yesterday.
About the Writer
Dr. Omoruyi is a political affairs columnist for iNewsAfrica, focused on governance, elections, and civic engagement across Africa.
Leave a reply
Email: [email protected]
