Presidential Candidate Peter-Obi’s Visit To Party Headquarters-Lead To Chairman’s Suspension (Details)

Last week, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the recent general elections, made a surprise visit to the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The visit, initially perceived as an endorsement of the national chairman, Julius Abure, quickly lost its luster as Abure was suspended over the weekend….CONTINUE READING

Reports emerged on Saturday that Abure was suspended by his ward in Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, citing allegations of high-handedness and anti-party activities. A suspension letter dated May 14, 2024, and a subsequent ratification letter dated May 15, 2024, were issued following a state executive committee meeting in Benin. The letters advised Abure to cease representing himself as a party member.

The suspension letter was signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh. Abure faces several allegations, including financial misappropriation and anti-party activities, which he has denied.

In March, Obi addressed supporters regarding the party’s controversial national convention, which he missed due to insufficient consultation by the leadership. Despite this, Obi recently visited the LP office, urging members to prioritize Nigeria’s well-being over internal disputes.

Obi stated, “For now let us talk about how we are going to survive till then because we politicians always focus on the next election and not about human beings. Let us focus on Nigeria, and see that Nigeria works, if Nigeria is working, the Labour Party will work.”

Abure took the opportunity to call for unity among party members, emphasizing the need to work together for future success. “I want to say this very clearly, the convention has come and gone, all those who are still angry with us over the Nnewi convention, we want to appeal to them and that they should all come together to work with us to build the party for a new Nigeria that has a vision,” he said.

However, the visit exacerbated tensions, leading to Abure’s suspension. Edo State LP Chairman Hon Kelly Ogbaloi confirmed the suspension, citing various allegations presented by the ward and local government EXCOs. Ogbaloi explained that the suspension allows for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Abure.

Allegations against Abure include financial misappropriation, as highlighted by former party treasurer Oluchi Oparah, who accused Abure of misappropriating N3.5 billion. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has also criticized Abure’s leadership, leading to protests at the party’s national secretariat.

The controversial national convention in March, opposed by several stakeholders including Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, further divided the party. The convention proceeded despite opposition, with Abure and other National Working Committee members being re-elected.

Obi’s visit to the party headquarters has divided opinions among supporters, with some accusing him of aligning with a tainted leadership. Others, like Dr. Yunusa Salisu Tanko, insisted that Obi’s visit was aimed at reconciliation rather than endorsement.

Amidst the ongoing crisis, some party members and stakeholders have distanced themselves from Abure. Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesperson for the LP Presidential Campaign Organization, publicly denounced the Abure-led National Working Committee, citing corruption and incompetence.

The leadership crisis in the Labour Party continues to unfold, with stakeholders and supporters closely watching for resolutions that could determine the party’s future and its impact on upcoming elections.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr