LP faction slams Abure over meeting with Wike

From Sola Ojo and Idu Jude Abuja

The Labour Party (LP) faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman has said the recent viral photograph showing suspended former National Chairman, Julius Abure, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, confirmed his allegiance to political interests opposed to the party.

A statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Acting National Chairman, described the image as evidence that Abure has aligned with forces working against the progress and stability of the party.

According to the statement, while the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is focused on national issues and Senator Usman is engaged in high-level consultations abroad with Obi’s full consent, Abure is openly associating with individuals the faction described as political adversaries.

The group accused Abure of fraternising with sponsors of what it called oppression, tyranny and electoral malpractice. It said his actions validate long-standing concerns about his loyalty and commitment to the party’s values.

The faction further alleged that Abure abandoned the party during critical periods, including the local government elections in Lagos and gubernatorial campaign launches in Anambra, Kogi, and Edo States. It said he failed to provide leadership and strategic direction when needed.

The statement reaffirmed that Abure remains suspended from the party and no longer holds any legitimate position within the Labour Party. It said his conduct raises serious questions about whose interests he is serving.

In the same vein, acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, argued that Abure’s visit to Wike further confirmed his political godfather.

According to him, Abure has ceased to be the Chairman of the party long ago, hence Nigerians should not bother themselves about him and what he represents.

“He has just got to thank the people who have succeeded in shielding him from being prosecuted, even when the Inspector General of Police had recommended prosecution, and the Attorney General of the Federation had supported that position. Yet, certain individuals are still protecting him.

“You know what they say, the wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do turn. Eventually, the law will catch up. No one is above the law.

“So, we’re not surprised, and honestly, it doesn’t bother us anymore. It only confirms what we already suspected, that some people are protecting him.

“And now we know for sure who his godfathers are. Before, it was speculation. But now, we have confirmation”, he said.

Also reacting, President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima has described the eyebrow about Abure’s visit to Wike as unnecessary.

“There’s nothing wrong with what’s happening. They are all human beings, not enemies.

“If Abure visits Wike, it’s on his own terms. Wike is his friend, and there’s nothing wrong with friends meeting and talking.

“Let’s not be in a hurry to conclude that there’s any compromise going on. This is a season of political permutations and consultations. It’s only natural for such meetings to happen.

“It’s even possible that Abure is trying to convince Wike to join the Labour Party. After all, let’s not forget Wike himself is already weighing his political options.

“He is still a member of the PDP, but we also know the party is facing internal issues.

“Constitutionally, everyone has the right to leave and join another political party. So perhaps Wike is just consulting and considering whether to move to the APC or any other party for that matter”, Shettima opined.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, did not answer his phone calls nor reply to the text messages sent to his mobile line for his reaction on the development.