The internal rift within the Labour Party (LP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum to embattled factional chairman Julius Abure to explain his actions or face disciplinary consequences.
At a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator Usman disclosed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party had formally summoned Abure to appear before a disciplinary panel to respond to serious allegations that threaten the credibility and unity of the party.
According to the committee, Abure is being accused of gross misconduct, including corruption, forgery, and the unauthorized takeover of party structures. These allegations, the NEC insists, violate the core principles and internal democratic processes of the Labour Party.
The disciplinary panel, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe with Peter Ameh serving as secretary, has been tasked with thoroughly investigating the multiple petitions received against Abure and recommending appropriate sanctions based on their findings.
The caretaker leadership expressed frustration over what it described as Abure’s consistent disregard for party procedures and norms. Particularly troubling to the committee is his alleged unilateral decision to bypass the mandatory ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses necessary for organizing a legitimate national convention.
In response to the deepening leadership crisis, the Nenadi Usman-led administration vowed to restore internal democracy and transparency within the party. It also announced plans to unveil a comprehensive timetable for the conduct of congresses at all levels, culminating in the election of new national officers.
Party insiders view this development as a decisive move to stabilize the LP and reclaim its founding ideals, following months of infighting that have cast a shadow over its public image and electoral preparedness.
The coming days are expected to be crucial, as all eyes remain on Julius Abure’s response and the potential fallout from the disciplinary panel’s probe.
