Abure Faction Leader Alleges Judicial Disarray in Labour Party Disputes
Dr. Barry Johnson, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Abure-led faction of Nigeria’s Labour Party, has accused the nation’s judiciary of being in “disarray” following recent court rulings affecting the party. His criticism highlights the ongoing legal turmoil within the opposition party that surged to national prominence during the 2023 general elections.
Johnson made the statements in an interview with Trust TV, directly responding to concerns about the party’s internal leadership crisis. He asserted that the group led by Julius Abure remains the legitimate and constitutionally recognized leadership of the Labour Party. According to Johnson, their faction’s authority is grounded in the party’s constitution, Nigeria’s Electoral Act, and the national constitution.
He specifically alleged that certain court judgments have “undermined” the party’s internal governance structures by interfering with its statutory organs. “The court of this country should be questioned. Decisions of the court are wrong,” Johnson stated, framing the issue as a broader threat to democratic principles.
The faction leader further questioned the health of Nigeria’s democracy, asking whether the current political and judicial environment represents the system Nigerians intend to bequeath to future generations. He warned of a system he characterized as tolerating “criminality” and exhibiting undue judicial support for actions he considers illegitimate.
The Labour Party experienced a significant rise during the 2023 elections, capitalizing on widespread support for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. However, the post-election period has been marred by factional disputes and a series of contradictory court rulings over legitimate party leadership. These legal battles have created uncertainty about the party’s official structure and its ability to present a unified front as a major opposition force.
Johnson’s comments underscore the deep factional rift and the abiding dispute over which leadership controls the party’s apparatus and resources. The repeated judicial interventions in internal party affairs have drawn scrutiny from political analysts, who note that consistent legal decisions are crucial for stable democratic competition.
The significance of this conflict extends beyond one party, touching on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems. The outcome of these leadership disputes may influence the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections and set precedents for how courts handle internal party matters. Political observers note that a resolution that is widely perceived as judicially sound is essential for maintaining public trust in both the Labour Party and the broader democratic process.
