The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Abure-led Labour Party has expressed concern over a recent statement credited to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in which he allegedly disparaged the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, and called for his arrest.
In a statement signed by the faction’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party described the governor’s comments as “deeply regrettable” and a direct threat to the party’s leadership and democratic stability.
“While we would normally ignore such attacks—especially from individuals undergoing internal disciplinary processes—the persistent threats from Governor Otti and his allies have compelled us to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and concerned Nigerians to intervene and restrain him,” the statement read.
The party recalled that Governor Otti had previously ordered the arrest of National Vice Chairman Comrade Ceekay Igara, Abia State Chairman Prince Ndubueze, and other party leaders during a lawful meeting in Aba. It also alleged that in April 2025, Otti issued “doomsday” threats during a meeting with dissident party elements in Abuja.
The NWC described the governor’s latest demand for the arrest of Abure and other national officers over his purported suspension as a dangerous escalation that must not be ignored.
“It is both ironic and unfortunate that Governor Otti, who joined the Labour Party in 2022 after being rejected by other platforms, is now attacking the very leadership that facilitated his electoral victory,” the party said.
It emphasised that under Abure’s leadership, Otti was granted waivers, became the party’s gubernatorial candidate, and had his victory defended in court by the party. The party also described Otti’s recent description of Abure as a “clown in search of a crown” as a crude distortion of history.
The statement noted that in March 2024, Governor Otti mobilised his cabinet and state assembly members to attend the party’s National Convention in Nnewi, where he publicly endorsed Abure’s reaffirmation as National Chairman.
“We believe Governor Otti’s sudden antagonism is part of a wider plot to destabilize the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 elections, possibly paving the way for a long-rumoured defection,” it added.
On the legal status of its leadership, the party clarified that the recent Supreme Court ruling did not remove Abure as Chairman. Rather, it reaffirmed that leadership disputes are internal party matters and not subject to judicial review. The Court did not overturn the November 13, 2024, Court of Appeal judgment which recognized Abure’s chairmanship.
The NWC urged Governor Otti and other estranged members to respect the rule of law and the party’s constitution.
“Now is the time for reason to prevail. We call on all loyal members to prioritize unity and work toward strengthening the party rather than fueling internal conflict,” the statement concluded.
