Labour Party Power Struggle Deepens as Abure-Led NEC Meets Amid Otti’s Bold Remarks

Amid rising political tensions and internal party strife, the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) convened a high-level meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja. The gathering, held on Thursday, brings together the party’s leadership structure from across Nigeria, with all 36 state chairmen and secretaries, as well as their Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterparts, in attendance.

The meeting, chaired by embattled National Chairman Julius Abure and supported by the National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, signals a critical moment for the Labour Party, which has seen its internal unity tested in recent months. Though the official agenda was not made public, inside sources have indicated that discussions are likely to focus on the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, the party’s structural health, and strategic planning for future elections.

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Internal Discord Overshadows Labour Party’s Strategic Planning

While the NEC’s session was presented as a routine political engagement, the backdrop of escalating internal friction has overshadowed its proceedings. The legitimacy of Abure’s continued leadership remains a point of contention, especially in light of recent public statements by high-profile party members, most notably Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

In a bold and direct interview with Arise News, Governor Otti rejected swirling rumours of his defection from the LP and took a firm stand against Julius Abure’s claim to the chairmanship. Otti, widely regarded as one of the party’s most visible and influential elected officials, accused Abure of clinging to power despite legal rulings suggesting he is no longer the party’s legitimate leader.

“Today, we have fought and retrieved Labour,” Otti declared. “I said I will send you the Supreme Court judgment. When you finish reading it, you will know that Abure is just masturbating. He is out. You can declare yourself President of Nigeria. Does that mean you are now the president?”

This explosive remark has ignited new debates over the Labour Party’s leadership crisis and deepened the factional divide between those loyal to Abure and a growing bloc aligned with Otti and other reform-minded figures.

Anambra Governorship and the Future of LP’s Political Credibility

As attention turns to the Anambra Governorship Election, the stakes could not be higher for the Labour Party. After gaining national momentum during the 2023 general elections—largely due to the presidential campaign of Peter Obi—the party now finds itself at a crossroads, with internal disunity threatening to undo its progress.

Sources within the party confirmed that the NEC meeting will address candidate selection, campaign strategy, and alliance-building for the Anambra race. However, the credibility of any decisions made at this gathering may be questioned if the leadership dispute remains unresolved.

Observers say the Abure-led NEC risks losing public confidence if the party cannot reconcile its internal divisions. With Otti’s growing influence and his public repudiation of Abure’s leadership, the Labour Party may soon face a legal and political showdown that could redefine its national direction.

Governor Otti: Symbol of Resistance or Rising Power Broker?

Governor Alex Otti has emerged as a central figure in the Labour Party’s ongoing realignment. As the only governor elected on the LP platform in 2023, his stature gives him significant sway within the party’s structure. His recent statements suggest not only a desire to protect the party from factional hijack but also a readiness to assert leadership in guiding its future course.

Otti’s categorical denial of any intention to defect from the LP has reassured many supporters amid recent speculation. It also positions him as a stabilizing force in contrast to the turbulence surrounding the party’s national executive.

“I am not leaving Labour. I joined Labour because I believed in the vision. I still do,” Otti affirmed during his media appearance.

What Lies Ahead for the Labour Party?

With its national executive fractured, leadership legitimacy challenged, and its political future uncertain, the Labour Party stands at a pivotal juncture. The NEC meeting in Abuja may offer short-term clarity on election plans, but deeper reconciliation is needed to rebuild unity and restore trust among members and supporters.

Unless the leadership impasse is resolved—either through legal avenues or intra-party dialogue—the Labour Party risks losing the political capital it has amassed in recent years. The road to Anambra, and potentially 2027, begins with how the LP chooses to handle its internal discord today.