The internal crisis within Nigeria’s Labour Party escalated dramatically on Wednesday as rival factions led by Julius Abure and Senator Nenadi Usman took punitive actions against each other, suspending key members and setting up parallel disciplinary committees.
The Usman faction announced a six-member panel to investigate Abure for alleged corruption and impersonation, giving the committee 21 days to submit findings. The panel includes Senator Ireti Kingibe as chair and former acting national chairman Maria Lebeke as member. “We can no longer tolerate Abure’s antics and misrepresentation as party chairman,” Usman stated at a press briefing, citing a Supreme Court judgment that allegedly removed Abure from office last April.
In retaliation, the Abure faction suspended six high-profile members including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Senator Kingibe, following recommendations from its own disciplinary committee. National Secretary Umar Farouk said the suspensions resulted from investigations into anti-party activities ratified during Wednesday’s National Executive Committee meeting.
The dueling actions highlight an irreconcilable split in the opposition party, with both factions now operating separate structures. Political analysts suggest the crisis could weaken Labour Party’s position ahead of 2027 elections, particularly after its strong showing in 2023.
Usman’s faction claims to be implementing reforms to restore transparency, while Abure’s camp maintains it remains the legitimate leadership. The situation leaves suspended members like Governor Otti – the party’s only elected governor – in political limbo as legal battles over party control continue. Observers warn the infighting risks alienating the party’s support base unless resolved through extraordinary convention or court-ordered reconciliation.
