Abure Faction Reacts as Nenadi Takes Over LP Secretariat, Alleges Break-in and Vandalism
The Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as a forceful takeover of the party's National Secretariat in Abuja by Senator Nenadi Usman and her supporters. This reaction was detailed in a statement released on Tuesday, February 10, by the factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
Allegations of Unlawful Invasion and Security Complicity
The Abure faction alleges that the secretariat was invaded around 1 a.m. by hoodlums who removed existing party billboards and replaced them with banners featuring Senator Usman's image. According to the statement, this operation was allegedly conducted with the support of security operatives, including eight truckloads of policemen, who reportedly restricted access to party officials and staff. The group claims that individuals broke into offices within the secretariat and carted away files and other materials, with senior party officials later prevented from entering the premises to avoid potential clashes.
Legal Dispute and Calls for Intervention
While acknowledging a Federal High Court judgment in the FCT that recognized Senator Usman as interim chairman, the Abure faction insists that the party has appealed the ruling and obtained a stay of execution. They describe the alleged takeover as an act of self-help and have called on the police, the DSS, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and other relevant agencies to intervene. The statement urges party members to remain calm and vigilant as the leadership pursues legal steps to resolve the dispute.
Nenadi Usman Assumes Leadership Amid Court Ruling
Senator Nenadi Usman has resumed duties at the Labour Party National Secretariat in Abuja, taking charge as the new national chairman. Supporters and party loyalists were seen around the secretariat as activities gradually picked up, with many viewing this as a turning point for the party. Billboards and banners bearing Julius Abure's image have been replaced with large portraits of Senator Usman, following a recent court judgment that upheld her leadership. The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Julius Abure as national chairman, relying on a Supreme Court verdict that declared Senator Usman as the valid national chairman, and ordered INEC to recognize her caretaker committee until a national convention is held.
