The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has accused Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, Abia state governor, of betrayal.
News About Nigeria reports that the faction’s annoyance came after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to recognise Abure as LP national chair, citing the expiration of his tenure in June 2024.
This development emerged from INEC’s counter affidavit filed at the Abuja federal high court in response to the Abure-led faction’s suit challenging their exclusion from uploading party agents’ names on the INEC website for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
Reacting on Wednesday, Obiora Ifoh, the faction’s spokesperson, said that some individuals seeking Abure’s removal lacked the resources to purchase nomination forms ahead of the 2023 elections.
“As you are aware, the party has since sued INEC, challenging its exclusion from the commission’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections,” Ifoh stated.
“However, INEC, in a counter-affidavit filed in response to our suit, argued that the Labour Party’s leadership, including Julius Abure, is now invalid, stressing that it does not recognise the party’s March 2024 National Convention, which re-elected Abure as chairman.”
Ifoh expressed dismay at Obi and Otti’s actions.
He said, “The leadership of the Labour Party is however miffed by the actions of our leaders, including our former presidential candidate Peter Obi and the only Labour Party governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who should be defending the party at this auspicious and trying moment.”
“They ought to know that the Labour Party is going through these challenging times simply because of its role in defending both leaders during the 2023 general election.”
“For the benefit of hindsight, not a few Nigerians will forget how the Labour Party reduced its guards in accommodating some of these leaders when they were denied tickets in their former political parties.”
“Today, these leaders are now dancing ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ with us. What a shame, what a betrayal.”
Following a party stakeholders meeting convened by Otti, Nenadi Usman, a former senator, has been appointed national chair of the LP caretaker committee.
