Labour Party Suspends National Chairman Abure Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has taken decisive action by suspending its embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension, which was initiated by the LP’s Ward 3 in Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, has been formally ratified by the state executive committee.

In a letter dated May 14, 2024, the LP’s Ward 3 executive committee cited several reasons for Abure’s suspension.

These include allegations of high-handedness, fraud, and other anti-party activities.

The suspension is immediate, and Abure has been advised to refrain from identifying himself as a member of the Labour Party in Ward 3, Arue-Uromi.

The letter of suspension, signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh, highlights the seriousness of the allegations against Abure.

It emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation into the charges leveled against him.

The suspension was further ratified by the LP’s executive committee in Esan North-East Local Government Area.

In a letter dated May 15, 2024, the local government chairman, Patrick Onogbeni, and LGA secretary, Ehikioya Eromosele, confirmed the decision.

The committee found the allegations against Abure weighty and upheld the suspension. 

With the ratification, Abure’s position as the party’s national chairman has been vitiated. He now stands suspended from his leadership role at the national level.

The LP’s state executive committee made this clear in their deliberations. 

Obiora Ifoh, the national publicity secretary of the LP, responded swiftly to the suspension.

He acknowledged the development but asserted that the antagonists’ actions were against the LP Constitution.

Ifoh pointed out that only the National Convention, convened solely for the purpose of removing the National Chairman, could suspend or remove Abure.

He cited legal rulings, including an Edo High Court decision and an Appeal Court ruling, to support his argument.

As the LP grapples with internal strife, the suspension of Julius Abure remains a contentious issue.

While the ward and local government executives stand by their decision, Ifoh’s stance underscores the complexity of the situation.

The party’s future direction hinges on how it navigates this crisis.