The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has insisted that there is no leadership vacuum within the party, warning against moves to undermine its internal structure.
Abure issued the warning on Monday during a press conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, ahead of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting reportedly convened by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Describing the actions of Obi and Otti as acts of betrayal, Abure maintained that he remains the authentic national chairman of the party, citing the Supreme Court’s recent judgment as affirmation of the party’s autonomy in handling its internal affairs.
“Tell them that there is no vacancy in our party,” Abure said. “In the Labour Party, we don’t betray our candidates, even though some betray us after we have given them tickets.”
He urged party members and the public to disregard what he described as a “misleading interpretation” of the Supreme Court verdict delivered last week, emphasizing that it does not invalidate his leadership.
“I remain the National Chairman of the Labour Party,” he declared. “Again, the Labour Party Constitution does not recognise the setting up of a caretaker committee for party affairs.”
Earlier reports had indicated that Obi and Otti were mobilizing party stakeholders for a NEC meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, to be followed by a town hall engagement at the Transcorp Hilton.
The unfolding drama highlights deepening internal rifts within the party, as prominent figures jostle for control and direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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