Labour Party Leadership: Former Treasurer Slams Abure, Other Ousted Leaders for Undermining Opposition with APC Allegiance
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Abuja, Nigeria — The Labour Party’s internal crisis deepened this week as its former National Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah, issued a scathing public rebuke of the party’s ousted leadership, accusing them of betraying Nigeria’s democratic opposition by aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on yesterday, Oparah condemned the recent press statement credited to Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, former National Secretary of the Labour Party, which called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in a dispute involving Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State. Oparah characterized this plea as a “shameful submission” to the ruling party and a “deliberate sabotage” of the Labour Party’s opposition mandate.
“Their appeal to President Tinubu is a deplorable capitulation to the APC,” Oparah declared. “It is an act of betrayal against the core values of the opposition, and an insult to the millions of Nigerians who supported Labour’s call for democratic reform.”
Supreme Court Verdict: Abure’s Tenure Over
At the heart of the crisis is a recent Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which invalidated the leadership of Julius Abure as National Chairman. The apex court, in its ruling on consolidated cases SC/CV/1245/2024 and SC/CV/1246/2024, set aside the earlier decisions by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that had recognized Abure’s continued leadership.
Justice John Inyang Okoro, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that political party leadership matters fall within the internal jurisdiction of parties, not the courts. The judgment also underscored that no party official should remain in office beyond their constitutionally defined term—a clear repudiation of Abure’s extended post-election tenure.
“The decisions of the trial court and the court below, recognising Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, are hereby set aside,” the judgment stated, effectively affirming that Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) he led no longer held legitimate authority.
In the aftermath, the Supreme Court recognized the interim Caretaker Committee headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, which enjoys the support of notable Labour leaders including Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Alex Otti, and elected Labour lawmakers.
Appeal to Tinubu Sparks Outrage
The decision by Abure and Farouk to appeal to President Tinubu has drawn widespread criticism from Labour stakeholders. Oparah accused the duo of seeking the patronage of a government that, in her words, “has been accused of plotting a one-party state.”
“This isn’t just political naivety—it’s complicity,” she said. “Instead of challenging the excesses of the APC, they are begging the president to interfere in Labour’s internal affairs, all to cling to power after their tenure has expired.”
Their public attack on Governor Otti, whom they reportedly derided as a “clown,” also drew rebuke. Oparah described the remarks as “petty and desperate,” saying they revealed a broader strategy to destabilize the party from within.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
Oparah, who served as National Treasurer during the 2023 general elections, urged party members and supporters to reject the actions of the former NWC and unite behind the Supreme Court-sanctioned caretaker leadership.
“Labour Party must not be derailed by the selfish ambitions of a few who refuse to let go,” she said. “The future of opposition politics in Nigeria depends on our ability to present a united, principled front that truly represents the people.”
She called on Julius Abure and Umar Farouk to “bow out gracefully” and accept the end of their tenure in accordance with the party constitution and judicial pronouncement.
“Nigerians deserve an opposition that fights for justice—not one compromised by expired leaders clinging to illegitimacy,” Oparah concluded.
The unfolding crisis underscores deep divisions within the Labour Party as it struggles to maintain momentum after its landmark performance in the 2023 elections.
As the party prepares for national congresses and a convention under interim leadership, the question remains whether it can resolve its internal conflicts and present a credible challenge to the ruling APC ahead of future elections.
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