Labour Party Is Not a Commodity’ — Nenadi Usman Takes On Abure

The Labour Party (LP) leadership led by Nenadi Usman has launched a strong rebuke against Julius Abure, declaring that the party “is not a commodity” and cannot be traded or appropriated for personal interests.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Usman-led faction accused Abure of unlawfully parading himself as the national chairman of the Labour Party despite a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which it said effectively settled the question of the party’s leadership. The group also cited the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which, according to the statement, does not recognise Abure as the party’s national chairman.

Describing Abure’s continued claims as “misleading and provocative,” the Usman-led leadership warned that such actions were capable of sowing confusion among party members and the general public at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The Labour Party belongs to the Nigerian people who believe in its ideology of equity, accountability and people-centred governance. It is not for sale, and it will not be hijacked by individuals seeking personal advantage,” the statement read.

The faction further alleged that certain interests were attempting to commercialise the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that such moves would be resisted through lawful and constitutional means.

According to the statement, the Supreme Court ruling and INEC’s subsequent clarification leave no ambiguity about the legitimate leadership of the party, urging members and supporters to disregard directives or pronouncements from any individual or group not recognised by law.

Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, transparency and the rule of law, the Nenadi Usman-led group said efforts were ongoing to stabilise the party and reposition it as a credible platform capable of offering Nigerians a genuine alternative in the next election cycle.

Meanwhile, the Julius Abure faction has continued to insist it remains the authentic leadership of the Labour Party, indicating that the internal dispute may persist despite judicial and regulatory interventions.