The re-election of Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party has sparked controversy, with the suspended National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, expressing condemnation.
Abure secured his second term as national chairman at the recent convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, amid unanimous support from delegates. However, his tenure has been marked by conflict, particularly with the Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress, over party control.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had previously demanded Abure’s resignation and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold support for the party’s National Convention.
Abure’s re-election has divided party members, eliciting mixed reactions.
Responding to the convention, Opara criticized the process, claiming it lacked transparency and was essentially a gathering of Abure’s supporters rather than a legitimate convention.
However, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, defended the convention, asserting that it was conducted in accordance with the party’s rules, electoral laws, and constitution. He emphasized the need for party unity and urged both the leadership and aggrieved members to collaborate with the re-elected chairman to address internal differences.
Ifoh expressed confidence in the party’s ability to move forward and called for a concerted effort to resolve any existing disputes.
