The ongoing leadership tussle in the Labour Party (LP) has intensified, with the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of former National Chairman Julius Abure and his associates. The demand follows an alleged criminal invasion and related activities at the party's national secretariat in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the secretariat located at No. 2 IBM Haruna Street, Utako, Abuja, on Monday, February 16, 2026, Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Deputy National Chairman of the party (representing the Nigeria Labour Congress interests), spoke on behalf of the Usman-led National Working Committee (NWC). Ndubuaku, flanked by other officials including National Secretary Darlington Nwokocha, asserted the faction's unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and respect for judicial pronouncements.
Ndubuaku stressed that Nigeria operates under the supremacy of the law rather than impunity. He referenced a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, in Suit No. SC/CV/56/2025, which he said affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as National Secretary. This ruling, according to the faction, resolved longstanding disputes over party leadership and nullified contrary claims.
"As a party, we have formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police demanding immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of Mr. Julius Abure and others for criminal trespass, armed robbery, theft, assault, malicious damage, impersonation, contempt of court, conspiracy, and threats to national security and peace," Ndubuaku declared.
The statement further urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to activate without delay a Criminal Prosecution Order dated March 7, 2025, concerning Julius Abure, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, and others. The order, issued by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, reportedly found prima facie evidence for offences including perjury, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, and directed the Nigeria Police Force to prosecute accordingly.
Ndubuaku commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their "professional and neutral intervention" that prevented further escalation during the incident and preserved public order. He noted that INEC has complied with subsisting court judgments by recognizing the Usman-led leadership as the authentic authority of the Labour Party. Consequently, Abure and his associates lack any legal standing to administer or occupy the national secretariat.
The Usman faction maintains that only its National Working Committee holds the authority to manage party affairs at the secretariat. Ndubuaku reiterated demands for full recovery of stolen assets, compensation for damages, investigation of any compromised security personnel, and enhanced protection for the premises.
Despite the tensions, the leadership expressed commitment to peace and reconciliation through its National Peace and Reconciliation Committee. The party has notified INEC, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, of planned congresses and a national convention scheduled between March and April 2026. Additionally, a nationwide membership registration, revalidation, and new registration exercise is ongoing in a hybrid format—manual in rural areas and electronic in semi-urban and urban centers.
Ndubuaku invited all Nigerians aged 18 and above to join the Labour Party, emphasizing its vision to "build the Nigeria of our dreams."
The crisis stems from protracted factional disputes within the Labour Party, which gained prominence following court interventions. Earlier reports indicate conflicting claims over control of the secretariat, with accusations of forced entries, vandalism, and removal of property exchanged between the factions. The Usman-led group has accused Abure's side of orchestrating violent acts, including threats and destruction of billboards, while Abure's faction has countered by alleging that the Usman group forcefully occupied the premises with security complicity.
This development comes amid preparations for future electoral activities, including potential participation in upcoming polls. The Labour Party, known for its role in the 2023 general elections where its presidential candidate Peter Obi garnered significant support, continues to grapple with internal divisions that could impact its cohesion and organizational strength.
Security agencies are yet to publicly respond to the latest petition, though the Usman faction has highlighted prior professional conduct by the police in related incidents. The call for prosecution revives attention to the March 2025 order from the AGF's office, which had recommended action against Abure and others based on police investigations.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders within the party and observers are watching closely to see how judicial and security authorities will handle the escalating allegations. The Labour Party's ability to resolve these internal conflicts peacefully will be crucial for maintaining public trust and advancing its democratic objectives in Nigeria.
