Caretaker Chair Nenadi Usman Launches Corruption Probe into Julius Abure
The internal crisis rocking Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has escalated as Nenadi Usman, chairperson of the party’s caretaker committee, announced a sweeping investigation into Julius Abure, the embattled former national chairman, over serious allegations of corruption, fund misappropriation, and anti-party activities.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, Usman accused Abure of defying his removal by continuing to parade himself as national chairman and running the party as a “personal enterprise” for selfish gain.
“Despite being removed, Julius Abure persists in acting as the national chairman. He has used the party to enrich himself rather than promote its values and unity,” Usman declared.
To address the allegations, the caretaker committee has constituted a disciplinary panel led by Senator Ireti Kingibe, with Peter Ameh serving as secretary. The panel is tasked with investigating multiple petitions levelled against Abure and has summoned him to appear before it to respond to the charges.
Usman also accused Abure of hijacking the party’s internal democratic structures by refusing to organise congresses at ward, local government, state, and zonal levels in preparation for the national convention.
“The caretaker team is committed to restoring internal democracy within the party,” she said, promising a new timetable for proper congresses and elections.
In a stern warning, Usman gave Abure 48 hours to cease parading himself as the party’s leader or face disciplinary consequences, citing powers vested in the caretaker committee by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC). The panel, she noted, has 21 days to conclude its investigation and recommend sanctions.
This development comes just days after Abure’s faction of the party also constituted a disciplinary committee to probe Abia State Governor Alex Otti over alleged anti-party conduct, further deepening the factional divide.
At the heart of the crisis is a contentious April 4 Supreme Court ruling. Abure’s camp claims the judgment reaffirms his leadership, while the caretaker committee insists it marks the end of his tenure.
