The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, has accused the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, of creating divisions within the party, saying its unity is at risk. Abure made this statement at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the party’s headquarters on Monday. He expressed his belief that the crisis facing the party would soon be over.
“I stand before you today with a heavy heart but with an unwavering resolve to defend the party. I stand not just as your National Chairman but as a guardian of the principles that unite our great party: unity, justice, and integrity.
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“We are at a critical juncture in the life of our party. Recent events have shown that those who should stand with us in the fight for a better, restructured, organized, and united party have chosen a different path – a path not of unity but of division. I speak, of course, of the illegal gathering that took place in Abia State, an attempt to create a rift within our party, led by none other than His Excellency Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti. This meeting, held without the authority or consent of the National Executive Council, sought to install a so-called ‘new leadership.'”
He said, “Let me be clear: this action was not just illegal; it was a betrayal of everything the Labour Party stands for – a reward for loyalty with ingratitude, a reward for support with insubordination.”
According to Abure, the Labour Party has always been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the voiceless in Nigeria. “Our mandate is to unite this country, not divide it. Yet, here we are, faced with a situation where individuals who have benefited from the trust and support of this great party now work to destabilize it from within. This is why I say the beautiful ones are not yet born in Nigeria.
“For those who have chosen to align themselves with this illegal action, I urge them to reconsider. The act of creating division is not just a political maneuver; it is a dangerous game – a game that, if allowed to continue, will dig a hole too deep for us to climb out of. Division within the Labour Party is division within Nigeria. And make no mistake, the consequences of such actions will not only affect the future of this party but also the future of those who want to run elections under its platform.
“The Labour Party was built on the backs of honest Nigerians who believed in the possibility of a better tomorrow. We are a party of vision, a party of unity, and a party that represents the true interests of the people. Those who seek to tear us apart with backroom deals and illegal meetings must not be allowed to do so.
“What message does it send to Nigerians when meetings meant to divide us are held in Abia State, a state that has become a symbol of resilience? At a time when this nation is struggling with ethnic divisions, such actions do not promote unity; they deepen the wounds of distrust.
“Nigerians are watching, and they will not be silent. We cannot afford to play politics with the future of our party.
“I call on all true members of the Labour Party to stand firm. This is not the time for betrayal; it is the time for solidarity. We must reject the actions of those who, for their own interests, seek to weaken us. I remain committed to leading this party in the right direction, one that aligns with the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.
“We have much work to do. The beautiful ones are not yet born in Nigeria, but they will be born through our collective effort. We must nurture this party, for it is the only true vessel that can deliver the change Nigerians so desperately need.”
