LP Crisis: Protesters Clash in Abuja Over Abure

The leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) escalated dramatically on Monday as opposing factions clashed at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The conflict erupted when members of the Edo State chapter of the LP converged on the headquarters, demanding that the National Working Committee ratify their decision to suspend Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman. This suspension, initiated by the Edo State Executive Council, was swiftly challenged by a pro-Abure faction that arrived to counter the protest.

The tension between the two groups nearly led to physical confrontations, which were averted by timely security interventions. Despite the heightened tensions and minor resistance, the anti-Abure protesters managed to breach the barriers. However, no national officials were present to address their grievances.

Following their demonstration at the party’s secretariat, the anti-Abure group proceeded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to submit a letter from the Edo State Executive Council, seeking action on the leadership dispute.

The dispute traces back to last week when the ward executives of Ward 3, Arue, Utomi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State announced Abure’s suspension. However, the national leadership of the LP declared this suspension illegal and unconstitutional, stating that the state executives lacked the authority to take such action.

The national leadership has firmly reiterated that the suspension of Julius Abure contravenes the party’s constitution, maintaining his position as the legitimate National Chairman.