***Abure Hits Back, Accuses Governor of Arrogance and Betrayal
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has described Julius Abure’s continued claim to the Labour Party’s national chairmanship as a “deliberate illusion,” accusing him of political masturbation and an unwillingness to accept reality.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Otti said the Labour Party cannot be hijacked by individuals “living in denial of legal and political realities.” He argued that the Supreme Court ruling which upheld the party’s Nnewi Convention in 2023 effectively nullified Abure’s claim to leadership.
“Abure is living in illusion,” Otti declared. “The party is bigger than any individual. We must uphold transparency, legality, and internal democracy. This is not a cult—it’s a political platform for change.”
The governor emphasized that Labour Party’s reform cannot be delayed by “desperate antics” of those who no longer hold constitutional authority.
He maintained that a new leadership structure has emerged to reflect the will of party stakeholders.
But in a swift and fiery response, Abure lashed out at Otti, calling his comments “unprovoked, disgraceful, and deeply disappointing.” Addressing journalists after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Abure said Otti’s actions betray the very principles the Labour Party was founded on.
“We told Nigerians we would do politics differently. But here we are, with a governor acting as though the party’s constitution means nothing,” Abure stated.
He accused Otti of unilaterally installing an “illegal caretaker committee” in violation of the Labour Party’s internal processes and of overseeing sham local government elections in Abia State that he said were worse than those under the APC or PDP.
“As the only Labour Party governor, Otti should have been a symbol of unity. Instead, he’s chosen arrogance and betrayal,” Abure said.
The Abure-led NEC reaffirmed his leadership and the legitimacy of the 2024 National Convention in Nnewi. It also announced the formation of a disciplinary committee to probe Governor Otti and others for alleged anti-party activities.
“Otti is not bigger than the Labour Party,” Abure warned. “We will not let internal sabotage destroy our dream for a new Nigeria.”
As the Labour Party battles internal divisions ahead of 2027, the political clash between Abure and Otti underscores deeper rifts over control, ideology, and the soul of Nigeria’s fast-rising third force.