The Labour Party (LP) is experiencing an intensified leadership crisis as various support groups and key stakeholders have expressed their disapproval of Barr. Julius Abure’s leadership, choosing instead to endorse Sen. Nenadi Usman as the new Chairperson of the party’s national Caretaker Committee.
This shift has ignited a fierce conflict over leadership, with Barr. Abure’s authority is being openly challenged by the support groups and stakeholders who have thrown their full backing behind Sen. Usman’s leadership.
Eze Morrison Onyenmaechi Ikpeamaeze, the leader of all support groups, along with Dr Danjuma Sale from the Obidient Movement in Kaduna State, issued a joint statement on Wednesday congratulating Sen. Nenadi Usman for her well-earned position, highlighting her extensive political background, dedication, and integrity as crucial assets for guiding the party at this critical juncture.
These groups view this decision as a decisive move to realign the party in preparation for upcoming elections, anticipating that Sen. Usman will leverage her expertise to facilitate inclusive and comprehensive congresses at all levels.
The support groups commended Sen. Usman for her pivotal role in rallying support for Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections, especially in Kaduna State, where she made notable contributions to the party’s achievements.
In their statement, they also expressed appreciation to Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, and Dr Alex Otti, the executive governor of Abia State, for their efforts in revitalizing the party and appointing capable leaders like Sen. Usman to spearhead the reorganization process.
“We, the Labour Party support groups in Kaduna State, the distinguished Great Obidient movement, and other stakeholders extend our warmest congratulations to Dist. Sen. Nenadi Usman on her well-deserved appointment as chairperson of the Labour Party national caretaker committee.
“This appointment follows the completion of Barr. Julius Abure’s tenure leading the National Working Committee (NWC).
“We urge all members of support groups, the Obidient movement, and party leaders to come together and support the national caretaker committee under the adept leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman,” they stated.
Political analysts suggest that this new leadership crisis within the LP, was fueled by the rejection of Barr. Julius Abure’s authority by influential party members—including Mr Peter Obi, Gov. Otti, and elected lawmakers—along with the welcoming of Sen. Nenadi Usman’s chairmanship, could have far-reaching implications for the party’s future.
