Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has urged the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along with Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other dissatisfied members, to reconcile and rejoin the party.
Abure made this appeal during a recent interview, following a period of internal conflict regarding his leadership and the controversial convention that reinstated him as chairman.
The beleaguered chairman has faced opposition from several prominent party figures who criticized the Nnewi convention for its lack of inclusivity and representation.
In response to the turmoil, Obi, Otti, and other stakeholders formed a 29-member caretaker committee in July, led by former finance minister Nnenadi Usman. This committee was assigned the task of organizing an expanded election to appoint new executives across all levels of the party.
Despite the ongoing disputes, Abure emerged victorious in a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which reaffirmed his position as the legitimate national chairman of the Labour Party.
Following this legal victory, Abure has ramped up efforts to mend divisions within the party, urging estranged members to set aside their differences.
He stated, “I want to emphasize that there is no longer a crisis in the party. The court has confirmed that there is only one leader in LP. If there are disputes, the court is the place to seek resolution. It was claimed that our national convention didn’t adhere to proper procedures, prompting some to seek legal action.
“INEC indicated that we didn’t follow due process, but the court ruled that the convention complied with the party’s constitution, the electoral act, and national laws. INEC has since accepted this ruling, and we are collaborating closely with the commission.
“I invite all those who feel wronged to return to the party. We have forgiven those who may have perceived they harmed us. I hold no grudges. We have moved on, and LP is one large family.”
Abure also expressed concern over the serious hardships faced by Nigerians, emphasizing that these issues cannot be solely attributed to leadership failures.
He advocated for robust electoral reforms to address the persistent challenges in electing capable leaders in the country.
He remarked, “Our nation is at a crucial juncture. It is a time for all of us to engage in deep reflection. The challenges we face are not just a matter of leadership; they also involve the role of the followership.
“We must reshape our mindset and philosophy within the Labour Party to foster meaningful change. Pursuing electoral reform is essential to ensure we elect leaders of dignity and integrity who can drive national development.”
