The Labour Party is experiencing a leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a three-way chairmanship tussle. The party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, faces challenges from factions led by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and another faction loyal to Alhaji Lamidi Apapa.
Abure’s tenure as national chairman expired in March 2024, but he claims it was renewed for a four-year term after a national convention. However, key stakeholders, including Obi and Otti, boycotted the convention. Concerns about party finances have also been raised, with accusations that Abure failed to account for over N3.6 billion.
The Supreme Court’s recent judgment has been interpreted differently by the warring factions, with Abure’s faction claiming it validates his leadership and Obi and Otti’s group arguing it supports their position. The internal conflicts have raised concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
