Labour Party Petitions Police and DSS Over Alleged Illegal Sale of Nomination Forms by Former Chairman Julius Abure
The Labour Party (LP) has submitted a petition against its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, to the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning the alleged illegal sale of nomination forms.
Party representative Usman accused Abure of acting outside the party’s recognised leadership structure, stating that his continued circulation of nomination forms amounts to impersonation and the deception of unsuspecting aspirants.
Usman emphasised that Abure’s tenure had long expired, noting that a national convention held in Umuahia had produced the authentic leadership currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
She further alleged that some aspirants had already been misled into purchasing unauthorised forms linked to Abure’s camp.
She said, “We received the news surprisingly. It was a big surprise because after the court said his tenure was over, we went to Umuahia, held a national convention, and elected new leaders.
“One man came here to tell me his wife was contesting, and when I looked at the form, it was not the form we issued. They are deceiving people, and it is not right at all.”
Speaking on the lingering leadership dispute, Usman said the party had not been formally served with any notice of appeal allegedly filed by Abure at the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the court would not overturn its earlier position on the matter.
She stated, “My take is that the Supreme Court will maintain its stand. If a court says my tenure is over, I cannot go back to say it is not over.”
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the LP chairman said three presidential aspirants had already purchased nomination forms and reaffirmed the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
Usman added that the party was considering a consensus arrangement ahead of its primaries, but insisted that all aspirants would undergo strict screening to ensure credibility.
She said, “We have decided that our next candidate or flag bearer should come from the South. Anybody from the North who wants to buy forms should not even bother.
“We are hoping for consensus, but we are going to screen really well because to lead this great country, we need the best.”
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