LABOUR PARTY’S SHAMEFUL SUBMISSION TO APC: HOW ABURE AND FAROUK’S OVERSTAYED TENURE HAS WEAKENED OPPOSITION BY OLUCHI OPARA FMR NATIONAL TREASURER, LABOUR PARTY

*…..BETRAYAL OF OPPOSITION VALUES: ABURE AND FAROUK’S SHOCKING PRESS STATEMENT*

*…..This is a betrayal of Labour’s opposition mandate.*

As the former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, I, Oluchi Oparah, unequivocally condemn the press statement issued on May 12, 2025, by Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, former National Secretary, on behalf of the ousted National Working Committee (NWC) led by Barrister Julius Abure. Their appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “rein in” Abia State Governor Alex Otti is a deplorable capitulation to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a deliberate sabotage of Nigeria’s opposition. The Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, judgment (SC/CV/1245/2024 and SC/CV/1246/2024) explicitly set aside the Court of Appeal’s recognition of Abure as National Chairman, affirming that Abure’s tenure had expired. By clinging to power and seeking Tinubu’s intervention, Abure and Farouk, now former NWC members, undermine Labour’s opposition role, handing themselves out to the APC as a tool to undermine and victimize our Party leaders. Leaders must know when to bow out, and Abure’s refusal to do so disgraces the party’s legacy.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice John Inyang Okoro, upheld the appeal by Senator Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker Committee and dismissed Abure’s cross-appeal as lacking merit. The court declared that the lower courts—specifically the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal—lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate Labour Party’s leadership disputes, as these are internal party affairs. The judgment nullified the Court of Appeal’s November 13, 2024, ruling (CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024) that had recognized Abure as chairman, stating, “The decisions of the trial court and the court below, recognising Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, are hereby set aside.” The court further emphasized that “no one should remain in office beyond their constitutionally defined term,” confirming that Abure’s tenure, extended transitionally post-2023 elections, had lapsed. The Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, backed by Mr Peter Obi, Dr Alex Chioma Otti and Lawmakers elected under Labour Party, was recognized as the legitimate interim leadership to conduct congresses and a national convention.

Opposition parties must challenge APC’s excesses, not seek its patronage. By begging president Tinubu to mediate their feud with Governor Alex Chioma Otti despite the expiration of their Tenure, they align with a government accused of plotting a one-party state, weakening the opposition’s credibility amid Nigeria’s economic and democratic crises.

Their petty attacks on Governor Alex Chioma Otti, calling him a “clown,” shows how desperate they are to destroy the Labour Party. Public anger reflects on the street dismay at Abure’s overstay, with many accusing him of prioritizing personal power over Labour’s relevance.

Abure’s refusal to step down exemplifies failed leadership. Leaders must exit gracefully when their tenure ends to preserve party integrity. His divisive reign alienated everyone.

I call on Labour Party members to reject this statement and hold Abure and Farouk accountable for overstaying their tenure, as confirmed by the Supreme Court. Labour Party must unite to stop the deliberate attempt by the former NWC to destabilize the Labour Party on their way out. Abure must bow out, as his refusal betrays our supporters and risks Labour’s development. Nigerians deserve an opposition that fights for justice, not one compromised by leaders who cling to power beyond their time.

Signed,
*Oluchi Oparah*
*Fmr National Treasurer*
*Labour Party*
*May 12, 2025*