The faction of the Labour Party led by Barrister Julius Abure on Tuesday announced it had regained control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja after what it described as an illegal occupation.
In a statement, the group alleged that individuals loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman, with backing from officials linked to the Abia State Government, forced their way into the premises around 1 a.m.
They were accused of pulling down party billboards, breaking security doors and carting away valuables.
The Abure-led leadership further claimed that sensitive documents were removed from the offices of the National Chairman and National Secretary during the incident.
It described the action as unlawful and said the secretariat had since been secured.
The faction said it would conduct an inventory of losses and pursue legal action.
Counter-Claim: Party Accuses Abure of Orchestrating Attack
In a swift reaction, the opposing leadership of the Labour Party issued a statement accusing Julius Abure — described as a former and expelled National Chairman — of masterminding a violent attack on the same national headquarters.
In a post on the party’s official X handle, the leadership alleged that Abure led a group of hoodlums to vandalise the property, focusing on the building’s exterior and destroying a prominent billboard at the entrance.
The leadership insisted that Abure’s expulsion remains valid and described his alleged actions as illegal and criminal.
Both factions referenced security involvement, with the Abure group alleging heavy police deployment during the takeover.
The rival leadership, however, framed the incident as an invasion that caused panic among staff and bystanders.
Images circulating online reportedly show damaged party signage, though the total value of destroyed property has not yet been confirmed.
The Abure-led faction has warned against further interference in what it describes as lawful party activities and urged rival claimants to await the final determination of the leadership dispute before appellate courts.
Meanwhile, the opposing leadership has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the rule of law prevails.
The development marks another escalation in the protracted leadership crisis within the Labour Party.
Since coming a close third in the 2023 polls, the party has been locked in leadership crisis, forcing its star politician, Peter Obi to ditch the party in December 31, 2025.
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