Speaking at the secretariat, Usman alleged that Abure and his supporters attacked staff, removed critical party documents, and destroyed property, including billboards bearing her image.
The Labour Party’s leadership crisis deepened on Monday as the faction led by Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman called for the arrest and prosecution of former party chairman Julius Abure, accusing him of forcefully entering the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking at the secretariat, Usman alleged that Abure and his supporters attacked staff, removed critical party documents, and destroyed property, including billboards bearing her image.
Laptops, financial records, and other official materials were reportedly taken during the incident.
She said the party had formally alerted the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to intervene.
“We are demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Julius Abure and others for criminal invasion, contempt of court, impersonation, and undermining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy,” Usman stated. She described the actions as a blatant defiance of the law.
Usman added that the alleged operation lasted more than 30 minutes and that Abure’s supporters publicly posted about the event on social media, effectively confirming their involvement.
She also criticised their subsequent statements as false and misleading, saying they ignored court orders and INEC regulations.
In response, Abure’s camp dismissed the claims as “false and ridiculous.” National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said some individuals scaled the secretariat fence in the early hours of February 10 to remove the existing party billboard and install Usman’s.
Ifoh further questioned how Usman accessed the offices, insisting there was no formal handover. “Until the appellate courts conclude the ongoing proceedings, she cannot claim authority over the secretariat,” he said. He explained that the lower court’s judgment had been stayed and that the party had appealed.
He urged Nigerians to disregard Usman’s press conference, calling it misleading and a deliberate attempt to discredit Abure’s faction.
The incident highlights the intensifying feud within the Labour Party, with both sides claiming leadership control.
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