Youth Leaders Forum Disowns Abure, Ahanotu, Backs Interim LP Leadership

The Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria has issued a strong disclaimer against the national leadership of the Labour Party (LP), disowning Mr Julius Abure and Mr Kennedy Ahanotu from their respective roles as national chairman and national youth leader of the party.

In a press statement signed by Comrade Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, the Forum declared that Abure and Ahanotu were misrepresenting themselves within the Labour Party.

According to the Forum, Aphimia is the legitimate national youth leader of the LP, having been elected in 2019, and holds the position in accordance with party laws.

The statement further condemned the actions of both individuals, calling on them to desist from parading themselves as party leaders.

It also accused Mr Abure of violating a 2018 court judgment by organising an unlawful National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March 2024.

“I, Comrade Engr. (Dr.) Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, the authentic and only National Youth Leader of the Labour Party, hereby disclaim the imposters Julius Abure and Kennedy Ahanotu.

“Mr. Kennedy Ahanotu, the Deputy National Secretary of the Labour Party, must cease presenting himself as the National Youth Leader, or I will ensure legal action is taken,” the statement reads.

Aphimia also alleged that Abure’s tenure as national chairman expired on June 8, 2024.

He stated that the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) had appointed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as interim leaders to oversee the party until a new convention is held in 2025.

The Forum also reiterated its support for Dr Halimat Tejuosho for the position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation following a unanimous resolution passed during a press conference on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The Forum concluded by urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the collective recommendations of the nation’s youth leaders for critical government appointments.