N3.5 billion: Labour Party Chairmen Demand Julius Abure’s Resignation

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The crisis rocking Labour Party (LP) has taken a new dimension as Chairmen of the party in the 36 states of the country have unanimously signed vote of no confidence on factional national chairman of the labour party Barrister Julius Abure.

The stand of the Chairmen was disclosed by the Plateau State Chairman Comrade Solomon Ndam, in a statement during a press briefing held in Bauchi state on Saturday

It could recalled that on February 12, 2024 the embattled Abure was accused of mismanagement of funds belonging to the party and asked by the national treasurer of the party to account for the alleged missing N3.5 billion naira realized from the sales of nomination forms for the 2023 general elections

“During off-cycle elections in several states last year, the party raised around N958 million from nomination forms and donations,” the national treasurer Mrs. Uluchi Opara disclosed.

“These funds have completely vanished under under Mr. Abure’s oversight – with zero paper trail.

“While on a fundraising tour in the United States in August 2023, Mr. Abure and his cronies raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from the party’s diaspora”

According to the 36 chairmen stands with Peter Obi for his swift action in response to the call for the external auditing of the Labour Party’s account.

They further stated that the gesture underscore Obi’s unwavering commitment to transparency and the principle of the new Nigeria project 

“However, the statement find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria,” Ndam said

“We wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention.

“We are appealing to His Excellency Petet Obi, Senator Ahmed Datti, and other distinguished personalities within the party to join us in requesting Barrister Abure to step aside”

“However, the step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a of our party aggrieved members

“Against the above mention and other allegations on Abure compelled us to take a stand on the matter.

“Furthermore, we want to draw attention to a critical matter that could impact the upcoming off-season election in Edo State.

“We want to remind the party and the people of Edo State about the potential repercussions if we emerge victorious and these legal complexities surrounding the leadership of the party is not been addressed.”

While relating issues, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, led by Justice Hamza Muazu, on April 5th, 2023, restrained Barrister Abure from parading himself as the national chairman of the LP.

“It is imperative for the party and the people of Edo State to consider this matter seriously, as the actions of one individual should not jeopardize the efforts of our candidate and the aspirations of our voters in Edo State,” Ndam said.

“We remain committed to the principles of the New Nigeria project and believe that by addressing these concerns head-on, we can strengthen the Labour Party, uphold justice, and continue our journey towards a brighter future”