Abure Blames Otti, Obi for Labour Party Crisis, Clears APC of Involvement

Citypost News Desk

Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barrister Julius Abure, has blamed the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the lingering crisis rocking the party.

Speaking during a television interview on TVC on Sunday, Abure dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the internal challenges facing the Labour Party, insisting that the crisis was a product of leadership failures within the party.

According to Abure, Governor Otti’s influence and authority are constitutionally limited to Abia State, yet he allegedly seeks to exert control over the national leadership structure of the party.

He expressed disappointment that many of the candidates whom the party supported, mobilized for, and helped secure electoral victories during the 2023 general elections are now among those challenging his leadership.

The embattled LP chairman also took a swipe at Peter Obi, accusing the former Anambra State governor of failing to provide leadership at a critical time for the party. He alleged that Obi has a history of leaving political parties whenever internal disputes arise, rather than staying to resolve them.

Abure questioned how Obi would handle national crises if elected President, suggesting that his approach to political disagreements raises concerns about his leadership capacity.

He further claimed that Obi had ample opportunity to intervene and help resolve the Labour Party’s internal disputes but instead chose to leave the party. Abure stated that Obi is now associated with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that such a move reflects an unwillingness to confront challenges within political organizations.

The LP chairman also referenced comments allegedly made by Obi’s 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who remains in the Labour Party. According to Abure, Baba-Ahmed had expressed concerns about Obi’s handling of party matters and had on his own made efforts to reconcile members of the rival factions within the party.

Meanwhile, the leadership crisis within the Labour Party continues to deepen, with rival factions reportedly producing parallel candidates for various elections, including presidential and governorship contests in some states such as Abia.

The protracted dispute has further heightened uncertainty over the party’s future and its ability to maintain a united front ahead of upcoming political engagements.