Gladness Gideon
North Central Labour Party Chairmen Pledge Loyalty to Abure, Accuse Obi and Otti of Causing Disunity
Chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) from Nigeria’s North Central geo-political zone have reaffirmed their unwavering support for the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, amid ongoing political tension within the party’s leadership ranks.
Speaking on behalf of the zone’s chairmen on Wednesday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the party, Alexander Ombugu, condemned what he described as divisive actions by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. He accused the two prominent figures of attempting to create confusion in the party for selfish interests.
Ombugu insisted that Abure was duly elected during the Labour Party’s national convention held in March 2024 in Nnewi, and should therefore be regarded as the party’s legitimate national leader.
“Abure is the only National Chairman we know. Anyone else parading themselves as such is a joker. There is no faction in Labour Party,” Ombugu declared.
He disclosed that chairmen from the North Central states—Abuja, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Plateau—recently paid a solidarity visit to Abure in Abuja to reassure him of their continued backing.
Reacting to allegations of internal divisions, Ombugu downplayed the rumours and emphasized the chairmen’s collective commitment to party unity. He warned that unresolved grievances could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
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He also criticized the apparent shift in Peter Obi’s stance since the national convention, noting that cooperation from the former presidential candidate had waned following Governor Otti’s alleged interference.
“After our convention, Obi was cooperative. But since Governor Otti began to stir confusion, Obi has withdrawn his support. This is worrisome,” he said.
Ombugu urged both Obi and Otti to engage directly with the party’s leadership, including Abure and the National Working Committee, to address any grievances they may have.
“Labour Party believes in inclusiveness and mutual respect. We encourage every stakeholder, including Obi and Otti, to come to the table so we can resolve our issues amicably,” he added.
In a broader appeal, Ombugu called on all aggrieved members across all levels of the party to set aside their differences and work towards unity to strengthen the party’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The North Central remains the heartbeat of the Labour Party. We played a pivotal role in the 2023 elections, and we are ready to do more in 2027—but only if we are united,” he stated.