Abure Shuns Edo Campaign, Accuses Obi and Otti of Betrayal

As the Edo State governorship election approaches on Saturday, September 21, the Labour Party held its final mega campaign rally on Wednesday. Party leaders like Peter Obi, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, Nenadi Usman, and Aisha Yesufu were present to support the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata. However, the party’s embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, and members of his disputed National Working Committee (NWC) were notably absent.

In a press conference held in Abuja on the same day, Abure’s camp, represented by National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, accused Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of betrayal. The accusation followed the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman to steer the party.

Ifoh alleged that Obi and Otti had conspired with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine Abure and his leadership. He expressed frustration that, during a challenging period for the party, these key figures had instead “danced Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” with INEC rather than standing by their party.

“Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” is a viral folk song by highlife artist Mike Ejeagha, which has gained widespread popularity on social media.

According to Ifoh, the party felt betrayed by its former presidential candidate and its only sitting governor, who should have supported the leadership during this tumultuous time. He reminded Nigerians how the Labour Party had backed these leaders during their quest for political office when other parties rejected them.

“The same Labour Party leadership that fought for them is now being abandoned. Today, they are dancing with those who want to tear this party apart. It’s a shame and a betrayal,” Ifoh lamented.

This development follows the party’s recent legal battle with INEC, aiming to prevent the electoral body from recognizing the newly installed caretaker committee led by Usman. INEC had argued that the tenure of the Abure-led executives had expired, justifying the formation of the new committee.

Ifoh vowed that the “illegal arrangement” would not stand, describing the caretaker committee as undemocratic and handpicked by party factions. He further accused INEC of deliberately working to destabilize the Labour Party by aligning with the new leadership.

Referencing the 2023 general election, Ifoh condemned INEC’s role, stating that the same body that had failed the people in 2023 was now being used by certain Labour Party leaders to undermine the party’s legitimate leadership.

“INEC is not a model to trust. The 2023 elections are still fresh in our minds, and come 2027, they will serve the same dish again,” Ifoh warned.

The Labour Party remains in a heated internal conflict as it approaches critical elections in Edo and Ondo States. Whether the party can resolve these issues before the elections remains to be seen.