Camaraderie was the moment at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters when the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, received a warm welcome from the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, during the first consultative meeting of 2025 with political party leaders, yesterday.

A statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, indicated that Yakubu, in a rare display of goodwill, greeted Abure with a hearty handshake and the words, “Good to see you.”

Addressing the media after the meeting, Abure denied having issues with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

He described the misunderstandings as a “family affair” that must be resolved internally.

“For me, there are no hard feelings. The squabbles within the party ought to be seen as a family affair. I am open to reconciliation, and the party will take every measure to bring all aggrieved members together for the greater good of the party and Nigeria,” Abureemphasised.

Acknowledging the party’s legal victories, he thanked the judiciary for upholding justice and reiterated his commitment to repositioning the party for future electoral successes.

Abure also addressed rumours about Obi and Otti’s involvement in the party’s challenges, expressing optimism that all differences would soon be resolved.

“Very soon, all our differences will be put aside. We will again speak authoritatively with one voice and emerge stronger and more effective in Nigeria’s political space,” he assured.

According to him, every political organisationexperience internal conflicts, which he attributes to conflicting interests.

However, he expressed confidence that the challenges would serve as lessons to strengthen the party.

“Now we have seen our strengths and weaknesses. These will reshape the party, making it better equipped for future elections,” Abure noted.