Abure defies INEC as Labour secretariat row worsens

Labour Party secretariat crisis deepens as Julius Abure rejects takeover despite INEC recognition of Nenadi Usman after court pronouncement

The Labour Party secretariat crisis intensified in Abuja on Friday as Julius Abure vowed not to relinquish the party’s national headquarters in Utako to the interim leadership led by Nenadi Usman, despite recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission following a Federal High Court pronouncement.

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Julius Abure, speaking through Deputy National Chairman Ayo Olorunfemi at a press conference, alleged plans to arrest him and members of his National Working Committee amid rising tension at the premises.

Ayo Olorunfemi questioned whether the court’s directive to INEC to recognise Nenadi Usman’s leadership amounted to authority to occupy the Utako secretariat, insisting the building remains under the control of Julius Abure’s faction.

Ayo Olorunfemi said the documents within the office belonged to Julius Abure’s leadership and described the rival group as impostors, rejecting claims that his faction forcefully entered the premises.

Earlier in the week, security presence increased at the headquarters as Nenadi Usman’s supporters took control of the facility, replacing banners bearing Julius Abure’s images with those of the interim leadership while police officers screened visitors and journalists.

Nenadi Usman confirmed the takeover through media aide Ken Asogwa, while accusing Julius Abure of unlawfully entering the premises and removing official documents, describing the action as criminal and damaging to institutional continuity.

Julius Abure’s camp alleged that the takeover was premeditated and criticised the conduct of police officers, claiming officers allowed access to one faction while restricting the other, creating an impression of bias.

Ayo Olorunfemi said a petition had been submitted to the Inspector General of Police seeking neutrality from officers of the FCT Command.

On the legal dispute, Ayo Olorunfemi confirmed that an appeal had been filed against the court decision recognising Nenadi Usman and warned of alleged plans to arrest senior members of Julius Abure’s faction.

The development followed calls by Nenadi Usman and Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress for security agencies to arrest Julius Abure over attempts to reclaim the secretariat.

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The standoff underscores deepening divisions within the party as rival camps trade accusations over legitimacy, control of party property and adherence to the court’s directive.

Quadri Olaitan