The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, has accused Labour Party (LP) National Chairman, Julius Abure, of being backed by external forces to destabilize the party.
In an interview, Ndubuaku, who also serves as the National Secretary General of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), explained the NLC’s opposition to Abure’s leadership, the party’s legal battles, and its plans for the future.
Reacting to the decision of Alex Otti and Peter Obi-led caretaker committee to challenge Abure’s leadership at the Supreme Court, Ndubuaku dismissed claims that the Appeal Court’s ruling validated Abure’s position.
“The Appeal Court didn’t rule that Abure is the rightful leader. It merely stated that the lower court had no jurisdiction over party leadership disputes. If that is the case, then the Appeal Court itself should not have ruled on the matter either. The consent judgment that confirms NLC’s role in the party remains valid and cannot be overturned.”
He insisted that the legal battle was not over and that the NLC would take appropriate action once the Supreme Court delivers its ruling.
While acknowledging that the NLC does not directly control the Labour Party, Ndubuaku emphasized that the union is a permanent stakeholder in the party’s decision-making process.
“The NLC and the TUC (Trade Union Congress) presidents and secretaries are permanent members of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Unlike other political parties, where leadership changes over time, Labour Party has institutional membership rooted in the labour movement.”
He further revealed that the certificate of registration for the party remains in NLC’s possession, reinforcing the union’s claim as the rightful custodian of LP.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Ndubuaku expressed confidence in the LP’s ability to contest and win elections in 2027, downplaying concerns that the leadership tussle could weaken the party.
“Labour Party is not just a political party, it is a movement of Nigerian workers. The same way the UK has a Labour Party, we also have ours. The party existed before Peter Obi’s emergence and will continue to grow beyond individuals like Abure.”
He also alleged that Abure is being sponsored by powerful figures in the ruling APC, pointing to the refusal of security agencies to prosecute him despite alleged forgery and financial mismanagement.
“Abure was indicted by the Inspector General of Police, yet he hasn’t been prosecuted. The EFCC received evidence from the party’s national treasurer against him but failed to act. Who is protecting him?”
Ndubuaku dismissed claims that Abia State Governor Alex Otti still recognizes Abure as LP chairman, noting that Otti was instrumental in forming the caretaker committee to replace him.
He also stated that Peter Obi does not support Abure, adding that the Obidient Movement, LP lawmakers, and key party stakeholders have distanced themselves from him.
“When virtually every major figure in the party rejects you, who exactly are you leading? If Abure has any integrity left, he should step down instead of clinging to power.”
When asked if the NLC would consider reconciling with Abure for the sake of party unity, Ndubuaku was firm in his opposition.
“How do you reconcile with someone who has been accused of forgery and corruption? Labour Party is built on integrity, and leaders like Obi, Otti, and NLC President Joe Ajaero cannot sit at the same table with him.”
He warned that any attempt to reintegrate Abure into the party leadership could spell disaster for LP’s credibility, urging party members to remain vigilant.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the battle for the soul of the party remains intense, with both factions unwilling to back down.
