Labour Party Group Threatens Protest Over Abure

A group, the Concerned LP Members, has called for the prosecution of the national chairman of Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure, to save the party from collapse and further embarrassment.  

In a statement read by the convener,  Ambassador Abel Ideho at a press conference in Benin City yesterday, the group expressed concern over various allegations ranging from forgery, perjury, extortion and bribery leveled against Abure that have plunged the party into crisis at state and national levels.

It wondered why in the face of these allegations, the leader and presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi, has remained silent. 

It said rather than throw the party into more confusion with the governorship election coming in some states,  Abure should clear  himself in the interest and growth of the party.

The group urged the police not to ignore the matter as members of the public are monitoring the matter, adding that they may be forced to embark on a mass protest against any attempt to cover up the allegations.  

It noted with concern that the goodwill the party enjoyed in the run-up to the 2023 general elections has been eroded with the issues of forgery and others elevated against Abure.

“We feel that what Abure should be interested in right now is how to purge himself of these allegations that have practically fragmented the party into various factions and not the talk of his interest in the Edo State governorship race.

“If a national chairman could have as much as showing interest in a governorship race when he has been accused of forging a withdrawal letter from political aspirants, how can he be trusted with other responsibilities?” the group said.

It said LP would not only be further torn apart in Edo and other states but would lose the governorship election if Abure is not prosecuted.

Abure, when contacted, did not pick repeated calls or reply text and WhatsApp messages sent to him.