The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) proceeded with its nationwide ward congresses. This took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The exercise went ahead despite significant internal divisions and various legal challenges.

Abia State was the only exception to this exercise. This exemption was made in compliance with an existing injunction. The injunction was obtained by the rival faction, led by Governor Alex Otti.

Obiora Ifoh serves as the National Publicity Secretary for the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). He confirmed an “impressive turnout and smooth conduct” across the country. Supervision teams also submitted positive reports from the exercise.

Ifoh also outlined the schedule for the remaining congresses. “The ward Congress holds today Tuesday,” he stated. “The Local Government Congress will hold Thursday.” He further added, “The State Congress is expected to hold on Saturday, December 6, at the party headquarters across the states.”

Party’s Stance and Future Plans

Ifoh emphasized that the decision to democratize party leadership structures was finalized at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. This meeting took place on November 28, 2025. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present.

He clarified the party’s position on the Abia injunction. The party decided to comply “even though the court lacks the jurisdiction.” Ifoh explained that the legal department “has already taken steps to vacate the order.” Once vacated, Abia State would then conduct its own congress.

“Labour Party is therefore calling on Nigerians to embrace the party ahead of the 2027 general election,” Ifoh announced. He added, “We are repositioning to improve on our capacity to drive the leadership of this great nation soonest.”

Accusations and Warnings

The spokesman also issued a stern warning to internal detractors. He accused unnamed actors of sponsoring chaos within the party.

“We are not unmindful of the activities of the fifth columnists planted in the party,” he said. He stated their aim is “to create unnecessary friction and to destabilize the unity in the party.”

Ifoh further claimed that some individuals had “repented.” However, others continued to “play out the script of their paymasters.”

Citing Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, Ifoh accused the other faction of circulating falsehoods. These falsehoods claimed a nationwide stoppage of the congresses.

“Publishing a fake news that a court has cancelled the Labour Party Congresses nationwide is a crime,” he warned. “It can attract dire consequences.”

He cautioned, “We therefore warn these merchants of falsehood to desist from such shenanigans.” Otherwise, he stated, “we will have no option but to commit them to prison.”

Ifoh maintained that the Abure leadership is “determined to move the party forward.” The leadership has taken “the painful decision to move on.” This means “leaving behind anyone not willing to meet up with the pace.”

The Court Order

A court order, granted on November 26, 2025, had initially halted the Abure faction’s nationwide congresses. This order was issued by an Abia State High Court in Suit No. HIN/47/2025.

Ife Salako, the Interim National Publicity Secretary for the Alex Otti faction, announced this development. According to Salako’s statement, the order restrained Abure “and his illegal National Working Committee.” It prevented them from proceeding with “purported and unlawful ward, local government, and state congresses.”