The Julius Abure-led faction of Nigeria’s Labour Party has threatened legal proceedings against interim National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman and two aides. This follows accusations that Usman’s camp repeatedly attacked the judiciary and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh issued a statement from Abuja condemning the actions. He accused Usman’s faction of unlawfully claiming powers beyond their authority.
“Their press statement clearly attempted to blackmail INEC and its Acting Chairman,” Ifoh stated. “This occurred after they obeyed a legitimate court order. The communication was also designed to embarrass the High Court judge and undermine judicial integrity.”
The conflict escalated when Usman’s media aide demanded the arrest of Abure and Acting INEC Chair Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu. They alleged conspiracy to obstruct justice in the party’s leadership dispute.
Ifoh dismissed these claims as “baseless and politically motivated.” He emphasized the need to protect Nigeria’s judiciary from improper attacks.
“Through aide Asogwa, Usman called for Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu’s arrest,” Ifoh noted. “They falsely accused her of criminal collusion with Abure. In reality, she performed her lawful electoral duties.”
The Abure faction has instructed its lawyers to pursue legal options. This comes unless Usman’s camp retracts their statements within 72 hours.
“We’ve directed our counsel to formally notify Asogwa,” Ifoh warned. “He must withdraw his offensive remarks within three days. Failure will force us to petition the Nigerian Bar Association. His description of a valid court order as ‘FAKE’ is unacceptable.”
Ifoh further condemned the Usman faction for discrediting Nigeria’s judiciary. He stressed that political disagreements must be resolved legally, not through public attacks.
“We consider these actions as attempts to tarnish the judiciary’s reputation,” Ifoh stated. “It’s particularly troubling coming from a lawyer who should defend judicial integrity. Legal professionals should argue cases in courtrooms, not on social media. Politically motivated online attacks against courts are unacceptable.”
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