Former Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure has accused the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of worsening the leadership crisis that has continued to divide the opposition party.
Speaking on the lingering dispute, Abure alleged that Obi and Otti were responsible for supporting what he described as an illegal caretaker committee, a move he claimed intensified internal divisions within the Labour Party. Despite the accusations, Abure called on party members to embrace reconciliation and work towards restoring unity ahead of future elections.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle following court rulings delivered in January and April 2026, which removed Abure from office and recognized Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s national chairperson. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also acknowledged the court-backed leadership, although Abure continues to reject the decisions and insists he remains the legitimate leader of the party.
The internal conflict has significantly reshaped the opposition’s political landscape. Peter Obi, who represented the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, exited the party in late 2025 after disagreements over its leadership. He has since aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
However, reports indicate that the NDC is also facing legal issues relating to its registration, adding another layer of uncertainty to the evolving opposition movement.
