A Labour Party senator from Edo State has publicly backed the removal of Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman, further deepening the internal crisis within the party. The endorsement comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding Abure’s leadership, with allegations of high-handedness and anti-party activities leading to his suspension by party executives in his home state.
The senator, whose identity was not disclosed in recent reports, aligned with the decision of Ward 3 executives in Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, who had earlier suspended Abure. The suspension, ratified by the state’s executive committee in May 2024, accused Abure of actions detrimental to the party’s unity and progress. These allegations were detailed in a letter signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Secretary Stanley Usiomoh.
Despite Abure’s legal victory at the Court of Appeal in January 2025, which affirmed him as the authentic National Chairman of the Labour Party, dissenting voices within his home state continue to challenge his leadership. The senator’s support for Abure’s removal underscores the lingering divisions within the party, even after judicial intervention.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in leadership disputes since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections. Abure’s tenure has been marked by accusations of mismanagement and factionalism, leading to clashes among supporters at party secretariats and calls for his resignation. While some stakeholders have rallied behind him, others insist that his removal is necessary for the party’s stability and growth.
As tensions persist, observers note that these internal conflicts could undermine the Labour Party’s efforts to consolidate its gains from the 2023 elections and position itself as a formidable opposition force. The situation calls for urgent reconciliation efforts to restore unity within the party ahead of future political contests.
