The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) was dissolved due to non-compliance with a 2018 court directive, according to a resolution reached at a party meeting in Umuahia, Abia State.
Premium Times reports that the decision to dissolve the committee is rooted in a judgement by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, which mandated the party to conduct an all-inclusive national convention within one year of holding ward, local government, and state congresses.
The court ruling, delivered on 20 March 2018, was meant to address internal issues within the party and ensure a transparent leadership selection process.
To facilitate this, INEC brokered a settlement in June 2022, allowing the Labour Party more time to comply with the judgement, with the deadline extended to 2024 due to the 2023 general elections.
However, the Otti-led faction of the party, which includes Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, accused Abure of violating the terms of the court order.
In March 2024, Abure reportedly convened a national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, without first conducting the necessary ward, local government, and state congresses. This, according to the Otti faction, directly contravened the court’s instructions and created a leadership vacuum within the party.
The group argued that Abure’s failure to follow the stipulated process not only breached the court’s directive but also eroded the legitimacy of the Labour Party’s leadership.
The party’s national executive membership dwindled, leaving fewer than ten active members, further complicating the leadership crisis.
In light of these violations, the party moved to dissolve the Abure-led NWC and appointed a 29-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs. The caretaker committee, headed by former Minister of Finance Nenadi Usman, is tasked with leading the party for 18 months, during which time a new leadership structure will be established.
Despite these developments, Abure and his supporters have rejected the dissolution, labeling it illegal. However, the Otti faction insists that the decision is in line with the court judgement and is essential for restoring stability to the party.
