The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, has been detained by security forces in Edo State, just days before the party’s primary election.
Abure’s arrest took place on Wednesday at the Zone 5 police headquarters in Benin, Edo State. A noteworthy crowd assembled at the entrance, while only a select few were allowed inside amidst a visible police presence.
Media Talk Africa reports that his arrest stemmed from a petition initiated by the Inspector General of Police in Abuja and subsequently referred to the Zone 5 police headquarters. Viral footage and images depict Abure being restrained by police officers as his supporters from the Labour Party sought to intervene and prevent his arrest.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone, Tijani Momoh, confirmed the incident, stating, “There is a standing order for now that nobody should come in. Yes, the Labour Party National Chairman is here, and it has to do with a petition that was referred to this office from the Inspector General of Police.”
When pressed about the nature of Abure’s detention, Momoh responded, “He is with us, but I cannot disclose the contents of the petition at this time,” refusing to clarify if Abure was being detained or merely required to provide a statement.
Abure has been embroiled in disputes with certain party members in the state over allegations of substituting candidates in the upcoming 2023 general election without the consent of the affected aspirants, which he has vehemently denied. Moreover, his arrest might be linked to the factional crisis within the party, particularly following the recent assault on a factional national youth leader by suspected party members.
Furthermore, Abure has faced criticism for purportedly mishandling party funds.
