ABUJA, Nigeria — Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has openly challenged key figures in the party — including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti — to publicly declare any funds they contributed to the party during the 2023 general election.
Abure made the remarks on Monday, May 12, 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The meeting was convened by Joshua Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives representing AMAC/Bwari federal constituency.
Speaking amid mounting internal divisions, Abure accused some elected officials of orchestrating moves to oust the party’s leadership despite the “sacrifices rendered” by those at the helm.
“We rejected billions of naira. We rejected offers because of their positions. Today, they are in the forefront of those who want to throw us out of office,” Abure said.
Directly addressing recent accusations of corruption within the party, Abure threw down the gauntlet to those alleging financial misconduct.
“Today, I want to challenge all of them, from Peter Obi downward, that contested the election. Let any of them come out and tell the world what they personally gave to me or to the party,” he declared.
“Who and who are those that brought the money? Who did they give it to? Where did they send it to?”
Abure dismissed the claims as unfounded and accused critics of resorting to backdoor allegations.
“If they can’t do that, let them forever hold their peace,” he added.
In a defiant tone, Abure warned that he would hold a world press conference to disclose his side of events if pushed further.
“When I open my mouth, wherever they go to, they will be like smelly eggs, rotten eggs that nobody will ever buy,” he said.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis, with two main factions now battling for control.
The opposing caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman — backed by Obi, Otti, and Senator Ireti Kingibe — has taken steps to investigate and discipline Abure over allegations ranging from corruption to anti-party activities.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025 the Abure-led faction suspended Otti and Kingibe indefinitely, citing alleged anti-party conduct.
In response, the Usman-led committee established a panel chaired by Kingibe to probe Abure’s leadership.
Days later, the caretaker committee announced Abure’s suspension as national chairman.
The Supreme Court had earlier ruled in April that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to pronounce Abure as chairman.
The judgement has since led to conflicting interpretations from both factions, each claiming legal legitimacy.
In a further escalation, Otti petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting Abure’s arrest on grounds of alleged impersonation.
