Why Abure Must Step Down Now

As Christians across Nigeria and the world celebrate Easter—a season of hope, sacrifice, and resurrection—I call on Julius Abure and all supporting actors to embrace the spirit of the season by offering their exit from the leadership crisis in the Labour Party as a sacrifice for the salvation of our party and our country.

This moment demands courage, conscience, and compassion. Just as Jesus Christ laid down His life to redeem humanity, this is a time for selfless surrender, not stubborn self-interest. The Labour Party has become the political home for millions of Nigerians yearning for justice, equity, and good governance. That hope must not be crucified by the personal ambitions of any individual or group.

Julius Abure’s emergence through the ranks of the labour movement once held promise. But today, his name has become synonymous with controversy, illegality, and crisis. After the expiration of his tenure, he manipulated internal processes to retain power, organizing a flawed and widely condemned convention in Nnewi, despite clear agreements with labour unions and party stakeholders to conduct transparent all-inclusive congresses.

Multiple allegations of fraud, forgery, and misappropriation of party funds hang over him—many of which have been substantiated through investigations, yet left unprosecuted by the Nigerian Police and Ministry of Justice. This failure to act has fed a growing suspicion among party members and the Nigerian public that Abure may be acting as a mole of the ruling APC, planted to destabilize the most promising opposition movement.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has now spoken, overturning previous judgments and affirming that Abure’s tenure had long expired. It is now a legal, moral, and spiritual imperative for him to step down without further delay.

At the Umuahia Stakeholders’ Meeting of 2024, and the subsequent NEC Meeting at Transcorp Hilton a few weeks back, party leaders across the country united to chart a new course by inaugurating a Caretaker Transition Committee (CTC) led by Senator Nenadi Usman. This move, endorsed by the NLC, TUC, and grassroots leaders, offers a peaceful and inclusive path forward.

I am also mindful that both Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, who have given Labour Party its most significant electoral victories and momentum, have since withdrawn support for Abure and sought peaceful pathways to healing the party. Abure’s refusal to honour even their conciliatory gestures is telling—and unfortunate.

Therefore, in this holy season of Easter, I make the following humble appeals:

1.To Julius Abure: In the spirit of Christ’s sacrifice, let this be your Easter offering. Step down with dignity and allow the Labour Party to rise again—stronger, united, and focused.

2.To INEC: Immediately remove Abure’s name as National Chairman from its records and online portal, and officially recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, in full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment and the constitution of the Labour Party.

3.To the Nigerian Police and Ministry of Justice: Act on pending allegations and fulfill your constitutional duties without fear or favour. Let justice not remain buried in the tomb of political compromise.

4.To all Labour Party faithful and Nigerians of goodwill: Let us rise to this resurrection moment. Let us build solid grassroots structures from ward to national levels and prepare for 2027 with unity and vision.

The Labour Party is not a personal estate.

It is a people’s movement.

It is a lifeline for millions seeking relief from insecurity, hunger, corruption, and broken leadership.

Let us not betray their hopes.

Julius Abure has had his time. Now is the time for renewal, not resistance. In the spirit of Easter, we urge him to let go, that the Labour Party may breathe and live again.