Labour Party Reps Applaud Abure’s Ouster, Declare It a Reform Milestone

The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has hailed the removal of Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman, describing it as a significant moment for the party’s stability and reform.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, which overturned a previous Appeal Court ruling that had recognized Abure as chairman, the lawmakers celebrated the judgment, considering it essential to restoring order within the party.

In a statement dated April 4 and signed by the caucus leader, Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers stressed that the verdict serves as a cautionary lesson for political leaders who overextend their authority in a democratic system that should primarily serve the populace.

Ogene commended the Supreme Court for its decisive judgment, highlighting that it signals a fresh start for the Labour Party, which has recently faced internal strife. He noted that the party’s National Caretaker Committee (NCC), led by former Finance Minister Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, is expected to organize a stakeholders’ meeting next week to plan the party’s future.

According to Ogene, this clear-cut judgment will enable the Labour Party to implement necessary measures to restore internal peace and demonstrate the party’s commitment to leadership that prioritizes the people’s interests. He emphasized that the NCC will convene an inclusive stakeholders’ meeting to outline a way forward.

Reflecting on the leadership crisis, Ogene criticized Abure’s administration for disregarding concerns raised by party members, which led to avoidable conflicts. He recalled that in March 2024, the LP Reps had advocated for postponing the National Convention to allow further consultations on the leadership issues. However, the leadership ignored these warnings, instead opting to threaten the caucus members’ re-election bids in 2027.

Ogene lamented that this divisive approach resulted in the loss of six caucus members, a situation he believed could have been avoided through better leadership practices. He reiterated that the removal of Abure marks a positive shift towards unity and stability within the Labour Party