Nigeria’s Labour Party has dismissed rumors that its National Chairman, Julius Abure, is secretly working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made the rebuttal in Abuja, describing the allegation as a “figment of imagination” and a deliberate attempt to undermine the party.
Ifoh accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a former party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, of fueling the speculation. He stated that the Labour Party is not working for the APC and is, in fact, autonomous. Ifoh pointed out that the party has been critical of the APC government, particularly under Abure’s leadership.
“The Labour Party has been and is still critical of APC more than NLC,” Ifoh said. “We put it on record that the NLC, in all its ramifications, has failed the Nigerian workers. If there is any leadership of the party from its inception that has been very critical of the government, it is the Abure leadership of the Labour Party.”
Ifoh also warned the NLC leadership to stop interfering in the party’s affairs and focus on its primary duty. He emphasized that the Abure-led National Working Committee has demonstrated its commitment to the party’s goals through its successes in the 2023 elections and subsequent election petition tribunals.
In response to Okonkwo’s claims, Ifoh said the party will not engage with him, stating that he is still “living in bondage” and often makes contradictory statements. Ifoh advised Okonkwo to focus on his acting career rather than politics.
The Labour Party’s rebuttal comes after a landmark court judgment affirmed Abure as the national chairman of the party. Ifoh’s statement aims to set the record straight and reassure supporters that the party remains committed to its values and goals.
In the midst of Nigeria’s complex and often contentious politics, the Labour Party is working to maintain its integrity and independence. By dismissing these rumors and reaffirming its autonomy, the party seeks to reassure its supporters and continue its efforts to promote the interests of Nigerian workers.
