The internal conflict within the Labour Party (LP) has escalated, with former presidential campaign spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo strongly criticizing the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure.
Okonkwo warned that under Abure’s leadership, the All Progressives Congress (APC) would effectively control LP’s 2027 presidential candidacy.
His remarks followed a federal high court ruling that upheld Abure’s position as chairman, prompting Nenadi Usman, head of LP’s caretaker committee, to announce plans for an appeal.
Speaking on Arise Television, Okonkwo claimed, “The Labour Party, as presently constituted, is now a housemaid to APC. The 2027 presidential candidate will be decided by the APC.”
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Okonkwo questioned Abure’s legitimacy, highlighting his own admission that he was not elected by party members but came to office unopposed, suggesting a lack of internal democratic processes.
He also condemned what he described as “transactional politics” under Abure’s leadership, accusing him of reserving tickets for APC members and undermining the party’s independence.
This crisis within the LP has been brewing since Oluchi Oparah, the party’s national treasurer, accused Abure of misappropriating N3.5 billion, leading to a federal capital territory high court restraining him from acting as national chair. Despite the court ruling in his favor, the internal divisions continue to deepen.
As Okonkwo’s allegations raise concerns about external interference and the integrity of the party’s leadership, the future of the Labour Party remains uncertain. Many question whether LP can resolve its internal disputes and unify ahead of the 2027 elections.