Labour Party Reps Caucus Rejects Abure’s Attempt to Sack Ogene as Leader, Labels Move “Laughable and Misleading”

The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has firmly rejected the purported removal of Hon. Afam Victor Ogene as its leader by the embattled factional national chairman of the party, Julius Abure, describing the action as “laughable, naive, and misleading.”

The caucus made its position clear that the role of caucus leader is not subject to external appointment but is a position filled through democratic election by members of the caucus themselves.

Caucus: Only Lawmakers Can Choose or Remove Their Leader

Reiterating the constitutional structure of the caucus, the lawmakers stressed that Abure lacks the authority to interfere in their internal leadership affairs.

They stated that Hon. Afam Victor Ogene was duly elected by members of the 10th Assembly’s LP caucus on May 6, 2023, receiving 21 out of 31 votes cast.

“Only the members of the caucus who overwhelmingly elected Ogene have the right to remove him, not an authoritarian, power-thirsty individual still battling to clear his name from multiple allegations of financial misconduct,” the statement read.

The lawmakers noted that 34 members-elect were present during the election, with only three abstaining from voting as they served as presiding officers.

Supreme Court Ruling and Caucus Support for Caretaker Committee

The caucus believes Abure’s action was triggered by their recent statement in support of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which reaffirmed that his tenure as LP National Chairman had ended.

The caucus had also expressed willingness to work with the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman.

The lawmakers indicated that their support for the caretaker committee aligns with the broader will of LP members in the House, which will be further reflected during the party’s NEC/stakeholders meeting scheduled for April 9, convened by LP national leader Peter Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

Allegations of Financial Impropriety Against Abure

In a scathing rebuke, the LP Reps accused Abure of running the party like a Ponzi scheme, citing numerous allegations of financial misconduct and forgery.

“From Ebonyi to Plateau, Ondo, Edo, and most recently Anambra, Abure’s leadership has been marked by scandal, slush funds, and the compromising of the party’s integrity,” they claimed.

The caucus also alleged that Abure, who is yet to provide a public account of funds generated during the 2023 general elections, is desperate to access caucus finances, raising serious concerns about his intentions.

“No credible organ of the Labour Party would entrust Abure with party funds, not even a kobo, until he clears his name of the twin allegations of forgery and embezzlement levelled against him,” the statement added.

Growing Crisis Within Labour Party Leadership

This latest development deepens the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party, with a growing number of party members backing the caretaker leadership and calling for accountability and internal reforms.

As the NEC/stakeholders meeting approaches, political watchers will be closely monitoring how the crisis unfolds and whether the caucus’ position further shifts the balance of power within the LP.