Julius Abure Secures Second Term as Labour Party’s National Chairman Amidst Controversy

In a remarkable turn of events, Julius Abure has been re-elected as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, securing his position for another term.

The election, which took place on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State, saw Abure winning through unanimous affirmation by delegates. This decision was confirmed by Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State. The election comes at a tumultuous time for Abure, who has faced numerous allegations of corruption and has been criticized for his leadership approach.

A prominent voice against Abure, the suspended National Treasurer of the Labour Party, Mrs. Oluchi Opara, has been vociferous in her demand for transparency. In February, Opara was suspended by the party, but not before she issued a memo calling for a forensic audit of the party’s finances under Abure’s leadership. She questioned the sources of his property acquisitions both in Nigeria and abroad between 2022 and 2023.

Moreover, Opara pressed for detailed accounts of the N958 million raised during off-cycle elections in 2023 and the funds raised from a fundraising tour in the United States the same year.

These allegations have led to a broader call for accountability within the party. SaharaReporters has highlighted Opara’s demands for an account of over N3.5 billion in party funds. Furthermore, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced its concern, advocating for Abure’s resignation and the establishment of a caretaker committee to organize a legitimate and inclusive national convention.

The demand for accountability extends beyond the NLC. On Monday, the Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists’ Assembly, led by Comrade Isah Tijjani, a veteran labour leader and former NLC Vice President, called for Abure’s immediate arrest and trial. They argue that such actions would serve as a deterrent to young politicians, especially those with union backgrounds, and have also suggested that Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, should step down.