NLC Plans Invasion of LP Secretariat Over Court Verdict

Abure Faction Claims NLC to Storm LP National Secretariat

​The Labour Party (LP) is currently embroiled in internal disputes following a Supreme Court ruling on April 5, 2025, which nullified the appeal court’s recognition of Julius Abure as the LP’s National Chairman. This decision has intensified existing divisions within the party, leading to allegations of external interference.​

Allegations of NLC Involvement:

The faction loyal to Julius Abure has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in collaboration with the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) and the National Transition Committee (NTC), of orchestrating a plan to forcibly seize the LP’s national secretariat in Abuja. According to Umar Ibrahim, the party’s National Secretary, the operation is purportedly scheduled to commence on Monday, April 7, 2025. The alleged objectives include:​

• Illegally entering the national headquarters offices.
• Seizing sensitive documents.​
• Vandalizing party property.

Party’s Stance and Legal Interpretation:

The Abure faction maintains that the Supreme Court’s judgment mandates that political parties resolve leadership disputes internally. They argue that the ruling does not grant external bodies, such as the NLC or the NCC, authority over the party’s leadership. The faction asserts that Julius Abure, who was validly elected during the party’s convention in March 2024, remains the legitimate National Chairman. They warn that any attempt to usurp this leadership will be met with resistance.

NLC’s Response:

A senior official from the NLC has refuted these allegations, describing them as unfounded. The official points out that the Supreme Court has ruled that Abure’s tenure has expired, rendering his leadership and that of his team illegitimate. They further emphasize that the NLC operates within legal boundaries and does not engage in partisan politics or employ extrajudicial methods. The official dismisses the allegations as a product of imagination.

Call for Security Intervention:

In light of the alleged plans, the Abure faction has appealed to security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to prevent any actions that could disrupt public peace. They urge authorities to take swift action against any individuals attempting to breach the party’s premises.

Recent Developments:

The Supreme Court’s decision has further complicated the LP’s internal dynamics, with various factions interpreting the ruling to support their positions. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called for peace, urging all parties to respect the party’s constitution and avoid actions that could lead to its destruction.