ABUJA: Labour Party in Abuja as acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, assumed control of the secretariat previously occupied by the Julius Abure-led faction.
Armed police officers were stationed within and around the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, enforcing strict security checks on visitors, party members, and journalists before granting access to the premises.
Confirming the development through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, Usman said the security deployment was requested to ensure a peaceful transition following recent court rulings recognising her leadership.
Observers at the secretariat noted that banners and billboards bearing images of Abure and his executives had been replaced with those of Usman and members of the caretaker leadership.
Speaking on the situation, Usman said the police presence was strictly for security coverage in line with the court judgment affirming the caretaker leadership.
She explained that the leadership had formally written to the police requesting protection while assuming office.
According to her, the takeover was long overdue and carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Usman dismissed fears of possible confrontation with the Abure faction, insisting there was no basis for conflict since, according to her, Abure had already vacated the office following the court ruling.
She also noted that prior to the judgment, her leadership struggled for recognition on the Independent National Electoral Commission portal, but the situation has now changed with INEC officially recognising the caretaker committee.
Party insiders disclosed that the interim leadership had directed members to begin preparations to assume control of Labour Party state secretariats across the country as part of efforts to consolidate authority.
Shortly after confirming the development, the interim leadership issued a media invitation announcing an official ceremony at the secretariat.
The event was scheduled to include presentation of a progress report on membership revalidation and registration, as well as the formal assumption of the National Secretary’s office.
Reacting to the development, factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed surprise over the police action, noting that the Abure faction had already filed an appeal against the court judgment.
He stated that the faction would soon issue an official response to clarify its position on the unfolding leadership tussle.
Last month, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Julius Abure’s tenure as Labour Party National Chairman had expired.
The court subsequently directed INEC to recognise the caretaker committee led by Senator Usman pending the conduct of a national convention.
The ruling followed prolonged internal disputes, multiple court cases, and competing leadership claims that intensified after the 2023 general elections.
While the faction aligned with Abia State Governor Alex Otti welcomed the judgment and called for reconciliation within the party, Abure rejected the verdict and vowed to challenge it on appeal.
INEC later updated its records to reflect Usman as acting National Chairman, alongside other caretaker officials, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha as National Secretary, Hamisu Santuraki as National Treasurer, Aisha Madije as National Financial Secretary, and Eric Ifere as National Legal Adviser.
The development marks a significant step in the ongoing leadership struggle within the Labour Party as efforts continue to stabilize the party ahead of future political engagements.
