Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Abure Faction Alleges Planned NLC Invasion, Deploys Police

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Tensions within the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Sunday as Julius Abure’s leadership deployed armed police and private security to guard the party’s Abuja headquarters, citing intelligence of an impending invasion by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a rival caretaker committee.

Two police vans and eight officers were stationed at the secretariat amid claims by LP’s National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim, that the NLC and the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee were mobilizing thugs to seize control—allegedly backed by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and an unnamed party leader. Ibrahim accused the NLC of plotting to loot documents and vandalize property, violating labour laws barring unions from partisan politics.

The move follows Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, which dismissed Abure’s appeal and affirmed that party leadership disputes are internal matters. While Abure’s camp insists the judgment validates his March 2024 election, opponents, including LP Senator Neda Imasuen, argue it effectively removes him, citing the court’s observation that his tenure had expired.

The Usman-led caretaker committee denied invasion plans, with spokesman Tony Akeni likening Abure’s faction to “illegal tenants” refusing to vacate. He warned of lawful action to reclaim the party’s assets. Meanwhile, Abure’s whereabouts remain unknown, fueling speculation amid the power struggle.

The NLC Political Commission’s acting chairman, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, declined immediate comment, while LP’s publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, maintained that the Supreme Court upheld the party’s autonomy, urging security agencies to prevent violence.

The crisis underscores deepening fractures in the LP since the 2023 elections, with rival factions now locked in a high-stakes battle for control.