Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Nenadi Usman Rejects Abure’s Allegations

 Nenadi Usman, chairperson of the Labour Party’s caretaker committee, boldly challenged factional national chairman Julius Abure to substantiate his threats to expose alleged financial misconduct by Peter Obi, Alex Otti, and other party leaders, intensifying the party’s leadership crisis. The confrontation marks a critical juncture in the struggle for control of Nigeria’s third-largest political party.

The dispute stems from a September 2024 meeting in Umuahia, where Abia Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi appointed Usman to lead a 29-member caretaker committee to organize a national convention within 90 days, following the expiration of Abure’s tenure. Abure, rejecting the move, claimed Usman was not a registered party member and accused Otti’s faction of anti-party activities, suspending key members on May 7, 2025. On May 12, Abure threatened to reveal details of 2023 election funds, alleging mismanagement by Obi and Otti, prompting Usman’s televised rebuttal where she dismissed his claims as baseless and urged him to present evidence.

The Labour Party, with 10 million votes in 2023, faces fragmentation, with a third faction led by Lamidi Apapa emerging on April 10, 2025, claiming leadership based on a Supreme Court ruling that deemed party leadership disputes non-justiciable. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing a 2024 Court of Appeal decision affirming Abure, has not recognized Usman’s committee, complicating preparations for 2027 elections. The crisis has stalled party activities, with 80% of state chapters reporting funding shortages, and 5,000 members defecting to the APC in 2024.

Usman’s faction plans a convention by July 2025, backed by 60% of LP’s 36 state executives, while Abure’s group insists on maintaining control until 2028. The internal strife, costing the party ₦500 million in legal fees since 2023, risks alienating its 7 million registered voters. Nigeria’s 24.48% inflation and 33% unemployment amplify public frustration, with 65% of 2025 polls demanding party unity. Resolution hinges on INEC’s final stance and potential Tinubu-led mediation, as the LP’s viability as an opposition force hangs in the balance.