The Labour Party in Nigeria has called on members who have aligned with rival political formations to return to its fold, signaling a push for unity amid internal fractures. Julius Abure, the party’s national chairman, announced the conciliatory gesture during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. While emphasizing the right to political association, Abure stressed that dual membership violates both party rules and Nigerian law.
Abure framed the move as a pragmatic step to heal divisions, stating that defectors would be welcomed back if they acknowledged their previous actions. “Our doors remain open,” he told reporters, urging members to “sheathe their swords” and recommit to the party. “There is no victor and no vanquished,” he added, underscoring a willingness to forgive those who apologize.
The appeal comes amid observations of Labour Party members publicly collaborating with opposition groups, a practice Abure said the party’s leadership is “watching closely.” While Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of association, Abure noted the Labour Party’s internal guidelines explicitly prohibit dual loyalties. He declined to specify consequences for those who ignore the reconciliation offer but hinted that party organs would address the matter “at the appropriate time.”
The Labour Party, though not a dominant force in Nigeria’s political landscape, gained prominence during the 2023 general elections as a third-party alternative. Its recent internal challenges mirror broader tensions in Nigerian politics, where party defections and factional disputes often reshape alliances. Abure’s overture reflects an attempt to stabilize the group ahead of future electoral contests, though analysts note that reconciliation efforts may face headwinds if trust issues persist.
The chairman’s remarks avoided naming specific members or rival parties involved, keeping the focus on a broad appeal for cohesion. His invocation of Nigeria’s constitutional stance on party membership — which bars individuals from holding dual affiliations — served as both a legal reminder and a subtle warning to dissenters. Critics, however, argue the Labour Party’s internal strife underscores the fragility of opposition politics in a system dominated by two major parties.
As the call for unity reverberates, the response from estranged members remains uncertain. Observers suggest the party’s ability to enforce its rules while fostering inclusivity could determine its trajectory in Nigeria’s volatile political climate. For now, Abure’s olive branch underscores a delicate balance between maintaining discipline and averting further fragmentation.
