The ongoing Problems within the Labour Party (LP) has resurfaced as Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the party’s presidential campaign, criticized the leadership of Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman.
Okonkwo expressed concerns that if Abure continues in his role, the All Progressives Congress (APC) would have the power to dictate the LP’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. His remarks followed a federal high court’s endorsement of Abure’s position, prompting Nenadi Usman, head of the caretaker committee, to announce plans for an appeal.
“The Labour Party, in its current state, has become a subordinate to the APC,” Okonkwo stated during an interview with Arise Television on Friday. “The selection of the Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate will happen at the APC negotiation table.”
He further accused the APC of colluding with certain individuals to manipulate court outcomes. “We are aware of their strategies. They are currently meeting with those who assist in winning court cases,” he said.
Questioning Abure’s legitimacy, Okonkwo noted that Abure himself had acknowledged he was not elected by the party members. “You cannot simply declare yourself a leader from your home and expect people to accept that,” he remarked.
“I want to make it clear that I have no association with any Labour Party led by Abure. That’s a definitive statement,” Okonkwo added. “As long as Abure remains at the helm, my connection to the Labour Party is severed.”
He emphasized, “We initially aimed to dismantle the structure of corruption, and that mission remains unfulfilled. It’s crucial to recognize that before Abure went to court, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already rejected him. Elected members and Labour Party constituents did not endorse him.”
Recalling Abure’s own words, he pointed out that Abure claimed he was elected unopposed, implying that no member of the Labour Party backed his leadership.
Okonkwo criticized Abure’s political style, labeling it “transactional politics,” particularly referencing the revocation of tickets initially allocated to Peter Obi and Alex Otti. “Every ticket in the Labour Party appears to be reserved for APC affiliates,” he alleged. “This is not just speculation; he admitted it publicly, which indicates a troubling connection.”
The Labour Party has been grappling with internal strife since Oluchi Oparah, the national treasurer, accused Abure of misappropriating N3.5 billion. Additionally, a high court in the federal capital territory has prohibited Abure from presenting himself as the national chair.
As the party’s crisis escalates, Okonkwo’s comments raise alarms regarding external influence and the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership.
The future of the Labour Party remains uncertain, with many questioning its ability to resolve its internal conflicts and present a cohesive front for the upcoming 2027 elections.
