The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) went ahead with its nationwide ward congresses on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, even as the party remains divided and embroiled in legal disputes.
Sources confirmed that Abia State was the only exception, following an existing court injunction obtained by the rival faction led by Governor Alex Otti.
Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), described the exercise as a success, reporting “impressive turnout and smooth conduct” nationwide.
“The ward congress holds today, Tuesday, while the Local Government Congress is scheduled for Thursday. The State Congresses will take place on Saturday, December 6, at party headquarters across the states,” Ifoh stated.
He explained that the decision to democratize party leadership structures was made at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on November 28, 2025, attended by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ifoh stressed that while the party chose to comply with the court’s injunction in Abia, its legal team is taking steps to vacate the order so the state can conduct its own congress in due course.
“Labour Party is calling on Nigerians to embrace the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. We are repositioning to strengthen our capacity to lead this nation soon,” he added.
The spokesperson also issued a warning to internal detractors, accusing unnamed actors of sowing discord within the party.
“We are aware of fifth columnists planted to create unnecessary friction and destabilize party unity. Some have repented, while others continue to play out the script of their paymasters,” Ifoh said.
He further cited Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, alleging that the rival faction spread false claims about a nationwide suspension of congresses.
“Publishing fake news that the Labour Party Congresses have been cancelled nationwide is a crime and can attract severe consequences. We warn these merchants of falsehood to desist, or we will have no option but to involve law enforcement,” he added.
Ifoh affirmed that the Abure leadership remains committed to moving the party forward, even if it means leaving behind anyone unwilling to keep pace with its plans.
The court order in question, issued on November 26 by an Abia State High Court (Suit No. HIN/47/2025), had previously halted the Abure faction’s nationwide congresses.
This injunction was highlighted by the Alex Otti faction’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Ife Salako, which claimed the order restrained Abure “and his illegal National Working Committee” from proceeding with purported and unlawful ward, local government, and state congresses.”
