Labour Party Chairman Abure Confident of Resolving Crisis Before 2027 Elections

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has expressed confidence in resolving the internal crises within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Abure declared his readiness to reconcile with key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to strengthen the party’s unity.

Abure’s statement, released by the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, followed his appearance at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, where INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu met with leaders of Nigeria’s political parties.

Dismissing speculations of a rift between himself and the camps of Obi and Otti, Abure emphasized that any misunderstandings were overblown and merely internal party disputes. “Our misunderstanding has been exaggerated and must be seen as a family affair, which would be resolved amicably within the family,” he said.

Abure’s remarks came days after the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed him as the LP National Chairman, nullifying the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman, which had been instituted by factions loyal to Obi and Otti. Despite this legal victory, the Usman-led committee has vowed to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, prolonging the party’s internal conflict.

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Abure, however, maintained a conciliatory tone, appealing to aggrieved members to prioritize the party’s and Nigeria’s interests over personal grievances. “Let us reconcile our differences and chart a way forward for our party. For me, I am open to reconciliation. I believe the interest of Nigeria and the party supersedes every other interest,” he stated.

The Labour Party chairman acknowledged that political parties often experience internal disagreements but viewed such conflicts as opportunities to grow and strengthen democratic principles. “There is no political party without some differences; it is a game of interests, and there will always be conflicting interests in every political environment. I believe we will come out better and stronger,” he said.

Abure expressed optimism about resolving the disputes promptly to enable the party to present a united front ahead of the next election cycle. “I am sure that very soon, all our differences will be put aside, and we will again speak authoritatively with one voice and come out stronger and very effective in the political space,” he added.

The reconciliation efforts come amid tensions within the party, as the Nenadi Usman-led faction continues to challenge Abure’s leadership. However, Abure’s commitment to dialogue and unity signals a renewed push to stabilize the Labour Party and position it as a formidable political force in the lead-up to 2027.