...Backs Abure As LP Chairman
In a significant development for the Labour Party (LP), the leadership crisis that pitted National Chairman Julius Abure against Deputy National Chairman (South) Lamidi Apapa has ended with both factions agreeing to reconcile and work collectively for the party's goals.
The dispute, which began in April 2023 following a court judgment, had sparked a significant division within the party, leading to a fierce battle for control.
The conflict was exacerbated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under the leadership of Joe Ajaero, which supported a contentious national convention in Anambra that re-elected Abure and his loyal National Working Committee members.
However, this convention was later invalidated by the NLC Political Commission, leading to the establishment of a transition committee tasked with organizing a new convention within 90 days.
Under mounting pressure from various fronts, including an open revolt led by the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and continued pressure from the NLC, Abure extended an olive branch to Apapa's faction.
A source at the LP national secretariat, who preferred anonymity, told Punch that the reconciliation was the only logical way for Abure to present a united front against the threat of the NLC.
Abayomi Arabambi, the factional spokesman, confirmed the development and stated that they had no problem with Abure from the outset.
He emphasized that the reconciliation was necessary to stop political hawks from taking over the party and to prevent disinformation within the Labour Party.
National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh also confirmed the reunion, stating that the Labour Party was united and that the doors were wide open for anyone who had been involved in anti-party activities to return to the fold.
He emphasized that the party had a constitution and rules that were fully spelt out, and that anyone who tried to go out of these would get their hand burnt.
With the reconciliation of the factions, the Labour Party is now more united than ever, and efforts are underway to strengthen party unity and focus on the party's goals.
