Abuja, February 16, 2026 – (DDM) – Diaspora Digital Media confirms that tensions within the Labour Party escalated on Monday as the Nenadi Usman-led National Working Committee demanded the arrest and prosecution of former National Chairman Julius Abure.
The party leadership accused Abure and his loyalists of forcefully entering the national secretariat in Abuja, threatening staff, and removing sensitive materials, including laptops, financial documents, and official registration papers.
Billboards and other properties bearing the image of Interim National Chairman Usman were also allegedly destroyed.
Addressing journalists at the secretariat, Usman emphasized, “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Julius Abure and others for criminal invasion, contempt of court, impersonation, and threats to constitutional democracy in Nigeria.” She added that the alleged operation lasted over 30 minutes and involved taking away critical party assets.
Usman explained that posts on social media by Abure’s supporters practically confirmed their involvement in the operation.
She criticized subsequent press statements from Abure’s camp as deliberate misrepresentations meant to flout judicial rulings and undermine INEC’s authority as the regulator of political parties.
In response, Abure’s faction dismissed the allegations as “fallacious and laughable.” The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said there was no formal handover of the secretariat due to ongoing court proceedings. He noted that the faction had stayed the execution of the lower court judgment and filed an appeal, maintaining their legal claim to the office.
Ifoh also stated that some individuals allegedly scaled the secretariat fence around 1 a.m. on February 10, replacing party billboards with Usman’s without proper authorization. He urged the public to disregard the press conference, describing it as ill-advised and an attempt to portray the leadership in a negative light.
Observers note that the dispute highlights a deepening divide within the Labour Party, with both factions asserting control.
Analysts warn that the ongoing standoff could affect internal cohesion, party credibility, and preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle.
The crisis underscores the challenges political parties face in maintaining internal democracy and managing leadership disputes. Both Usman and Abure factions now face heightened scrutiny from the judiciary, INEC, and party members, who are closely watching the resolution of this leadership conflict.
With neither side yielding ground, the Labour Party continues to grapple with factional loyalty, legal battles, and media attention, raising concerns about its readiness for upcoming elections and the stability of its governance structures.
