The Labour Party (LP) solidified its relevance on Nigeria’s political scene during the 2023 presidential elections, securing 6,101,533 votes—amounting to 25.4% of the total votes cast—with Peter Obi as its candidate. Obi’s move to the LP from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reshaped the electoral contest into a three-horse race.
Following the elections and the subsequent legal battles, internal conflict erupted within the party. Key figures who had previously united for the polls began vying for control. The crisis initially centered on a leadership dispute between Julius Abure, the party’s former National Secretary turned Chairman, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Lamidi Apapa.
After legal confrontations, the battle seemed to settle temporarily. But tensions reignited when former National Treasurer, Oluchi Okpara, publicly accused Abure of mismanaging over N3.6 billion in party funds raised through nomination forms and donations. In response, Peter Obi demanded a forensic audit—though the results are yet to be made public.
As Abure’s extended tenure from the 2023 elections neared its end, the party fractured into three camps: supporters of Abure, the “Obidient” movement, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)-backed Political Commission.
The conflict escalated after Abure held a controversial national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on March 27, 2024, allegedly renewing his tenure for another four years. This convention excluded prominent stakeholders like Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and NLC leaders.
In reaction, Obi, Otti, and other party leaders convened in Umuahia on September 4, 2024, to form a 29-member National Caretaker Committee led by Senators Esther Usman and Darlington Nwokocha. The committee had 90 days to organize congresses and a national convention, but Abure challenged its legitimacy in court.
Despite the court battle, the Usman-led group proceeded quietly, confident that the Nnewi convention would be nullified due to its violation of a consent judgment facilitated by INEC and previous agreements made in 2018.
Governor Otti accused Abure of sidestepping protocol by ignoring the necessary sequence of congresses—ward, LGA, state—before holding a national convention. Though Abure won at lower courts, the Supreme Court overturned these rulings, citing jurisdictional issues.
The verdict’s interpretation split the camps further. Abure insisted the ruling confirmed his leadership, while Obi and Otti argued it discredited the Nnewi convention and Abure’s tenure.
Before the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, Abure’s faction convened a NEC meeting reaffirming his leadership and threatening disciplinary action against Obi and Otti for planning a rival NEC gathering.
The release of the CTC emboldened all camps to assert their claims. Now, the LP stands divided among three groups: those supporting Abure, those backing the LP-NCC, and a minor faction loyal to Apapa, who has reemerged with his own leadership claims.
Although all camps agree the Supreme Court upholds the autonomy of political parties, each interprets the judgment in their favor. Abure’s camp says it strengthens his legitimacy, while opponents believe it validates efforts to remove him.
At a recent NEC and Stakeholders’ Town Hall, party leaders, including Governor Otti, insisted the Nnewi convention lacked due process, rendering Abure’s leadership void. Otti recounted offers made to Abure—including a Board of Trustees chairmanship—for a peaceful transition, which he declined.
Peter Obi echoed the need for fairness and adherence to procedure, urging for fresh congresses at all levels before any new national leadership can be considered legitimate.
However, Abure remains unmoved. His faction’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed Obi and Otti’s claims, accusing them of attempting to manipulate INEC and create unconstitutional party structures like the Caretaker Committee.
The escalating conflict has raised concerns about LP’s ability to remain a credible opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections. Auwal Ibrahim of CISLAC warned that unless the opposition unites, it risks losing voter confidence.
Nonetheless, Chief Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties remains hopeful, believing the Supreme Court decision provides a path forward. He urged all factions to respect the judgment and allow the party to move ahead constructively.
Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.
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