The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) proceeded with its nationwide ward congresses on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This move occurred despite significant internal divisions and ongoing legal challenges facing the party.

Only Abia State was exempted from the exercise. This was in compliance with a subsisting injunction obtained by the rival faction led by Governor Alex Otti.

Congress Conduct and Party’s Stance

Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary for the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), confirmed the successful conduct of the congresses. He reported an “impressive turnout and smooth conduct” across the country. Supervision teams provided positive reports back to the party leadership.

Ifoh outlined the schedule: “The ward Congress holds today Tuesday, while the Local Government Congress will hold Thursday.” He added that “The State Congress is expected to hold on Saturday, December 6, at the party headquarters across the states.”

He stressed that the decision to democratize party leadership structures was finalized at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on November 28, 2025. Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly attended this meeting.

Regarding the Abia State injunction, Ifoh explained the party’s position. He stated they would comply, “even though the court lacks the jurisdiction.” He further noted that the party’s legal department “has already taken steps to vacate the order.” Once lifted, Abia would then conduct its own congress.

Ifoh also used the opportunity to appeal to Nigerians. “Labour Party is therefore calling on Nigerians to embrace the party ahead of the 2027 general election,” he urged. He emphasized their repositioning efforts: “We are repositioning to improve on our capacity to drive the leadership of this great nation soonest.”

Warnings Against Internal Detractors

The spokesman issued a stern warning to internal detractors. He accused unnamed actors of sponsoring chaos within the Labour Party. “We are not unmindful of the activities of the fifth columnists planted in the party,” he said. He described their aim as creating “unnecessary friction and to destabilize the unity in the party.”

Ifoh mentioned 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 rival faction of circulating false information. Specifically, he referred to claims about a nationwide stoppage of the congresses. “Publishing fake news that a court has cancelled the Labour Party Congresses nationwide is a crime,” he asserted. He warned such actions “can attract dire consequences.”

He continued with a direct warning: “We therefore warn these merchants of falsehood to desist from such shenanigans. Otherwise, we will have no option but to commit them to prison.”

Ifoh reiterated the Abure leadership’s determination. “The Abure leadership is determined to move the party forward,” he affirmed. He concluded by stating they have made “the painful decision to move on, leaving behind anyone not willing to meet up with the pace.”

The Court Order in Question

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

Ife Salako, the Interim National Publicity Secretary for the Alex Otti faction, initially announced this injunction. The statement indicated that the order restrained Abure “and his illegal National Working Committee.” It specifically prevented them from proceeding with “purported and unlawful ward, local government, and state congresses.”