The Labour Party’s (LP) state chairmen in all 36 states have called for the resignation of National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure, citing allegations of financial mismanagement and legal issues that could jeopardise the party’s future.
The state chairmen, led by Plateau state chairman Comrade Solomon Ndem, urged Abure to step aside to facilitate an independent investigation into the allegations.
Abure faces accusations of allegedly misappropriating N3.5 billion in party funds, raised through nomination form sales and other activities, as alleged by the party’s National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara.
“We find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity, in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria, we wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention,” the forum said, in a statement read by Ndem.
The forum made a plea to Peter Obi, their 2023 presidential candidate, and his running mate, Senator Ahmed Datti, as well as other prominent figures within the party, to join their cause in requesting the resignation of Abure from his current position.
“This step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds levelled against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a lot of our party’s aggrieved members,”
It also warned that the unresolved leadership issues could hinder the party’s success in the upcoming Edo State elections.
“Furthermore, we want to draw attention to a critical matter that could impact the upcoming off-season election in Edo State. We want to remind the party and the people of Edo State about the potential repercussions if we emerge victorious and these legal complexities surrounding the leadership of the party have not been addressed,
“A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, led by Justice Hamza Muazu, on April 5th, 2023, restrained Barrister Abure from parading himself as the National Chairman of the LP. It is imperative for the party and the people of Edo State to consider this matter seriously, as the actions of one individual should not jeopardize the efforts of our candidate and the aspirations of our voters in Edo State.”
