Labour Party Infighting: Abure loyalists storm National Secretariat

2026-02-11 - 15:38

By John Alechenu, Abuja Tensions within the Labour Party (LP) intensified on Wednesday as loyalists of Barrister Julius Abure attempted to reclaim control of the party’s National Secretariat, barely 24 hours after Senator Nenadi Usman and her interim leadership team assumed office. Reports said Abure’s supporters stormed the secretariat, removing banners bearing the portraits of Senator Usman and interim National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha. Security personnel intervened to prevent an outright confrontation between rival factions. Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Abure-led faction, described the takeover as illegal. He told Vanguard, “The purported takeover of our secretariat by the Abia State Deputy Governor, Nenadi Usman, was an illegal action. Hoodlums invaded the Secretariat around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, tore down party billboards, and replaced them with those of the Nenadi Usman camp. We are a law-abiding party and aware of the FCT High Court judgment recognizing Nenadi Usman as chairman. However, our leadership is in possession of a stay of execution of that order.” Ifoh added that the Abure-led faction is taking inventory of sensitive party documents allegedly removed by the invaders. He appealed to party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while urging security agencies, particularly the police, not to be drawn into internal party disputes. Meanwhile, Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Usman, thanked the police for arresting suspected hoodlums involved in the early morning attack. He said, “Through the timely intervention of the Nigerian Police, normalcy has been restored at the Party Secretariat. The Labour Party warns certain members, particularly elements of the former leadership, that acts of brigandage will no longer be tolerated.” Asogwa emphasized that the court judgment clearly recognizes Senator Usman and Senator Nwokocha as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the Labour Party, respectively, a decision already implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He confirmed that banners have been restored and normal party activities have resumed, with security agencies ensuring measures are in place to prevent further disruptions.