Julius Abure

Julius Abure was born on June 24, 1971, in the southern region of Nigeria, specifically in Edo State. He hails from Arue Ward 3 in Uromi, which is located within the Esan North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. Abure belongs to the Esan ethnic group, a subgroup of the Edo people native to Edo State.

He had his early education in Edo State and later pursued a legal education. He is a trained lawyer, having been called to the Nigerian Bar, and is also an alumnus of the Nigerian Law School.

Career Background

Before venturing fully into politics, Abure worked in the judiciary and later served in union leadership roles. He became widely known as a trade unionist, particularly for his roles in the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, where he advocated for workers’ rights and labor reforms.

His activism and leadership in labor circles positioned him well for a role in the Labour Party, a political party founded to represent the interests of the working class and common Nigerians.

Political Career

Abure rose through the ranks of the Labour Party and eventually became the National Secretary before ascending to the position of National Chairman.

Under his leadership, the Labour Party gained significant national prominence, especially during the 2023 Nigerian general elections, when Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor, ran for President under the party’s platform. Abure played a critical role in managing the party’s internal structure and nationwide campaigns.

Controversies

Julius Abure’s tenure as National Chairman of the Labour Party has been marked by several high-profile controversies, primarily stemming from internal party power struggles and allegations of financial misconduct. These disputes have often played out in the public eye, casting a spotlight on the fragile internal dynamics of the party, particularly in the wake of its rapid rise during the 2023 general elections.

Leadership Crisis and Internal Factions

One of the most persistent challenges Abure has faced is the crisis of legitimacy surrounding his leadership. Following the surge in the party’s popularity due to Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy in 2023, multiple factions within the party began to jostle for control. Some party members questioned Abure’s authority and decision-making style, claiming he operated unilaterally without due consultation. These internal tensions have resulted in parallel party conventions, conflicting leadership claims, and several factional statements contradicting the national leadership under Abure.

Allegations of Misappropriation and Autocracy

Abure has also been accused by rival members of the party of financial impropriety and autocratic governance. Allegations include the misappropriation of campaign funds, opaque financial reporting, and the improper awarding of contracts without following party procedures. Critics within the party have described his leadership as lacking transparency and internal democracy. Abure, however, has vehemently denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are politically motivated and orchestrated by those threatened by his popularity and firm grip on the party structure.

Suspension Saga and Legal Battles

In a particularly dramatic episode in 2023, a faction of the Labour Party announced Abure’s suspension, citing alleged misconduct and mismanagement. The suspension sparked widespread confusion among party faithful and the general public, with competing statements from national and state chapters of the party. Abure dismissed the suspension as illegitimate, pointing to procedural irregularities and accusing his detractors of acting in bad faith.

The ensuing conflict escalated into legal confrontations, with court orders, counter-suits, and claims of contempt being filed by both sides. At various points, the party appeared on the verge of splintering, with fears that the internal discord could weaken the opposition movement ahead of future elections.

Political Support and Public Perception

Despite the controversies, Julius Abure has managed to retain substantial support, especially from Labour Party strongholds and loyalists associated with the Peter Obi movement. Many see him as a stabilizing figure in a party that experienced sudden growth and was unprepared for the national spotlight. His ability to maintain party structure during this turbulent period has earned him admiration from some quarters, even as others call for reform and restructuring.

Supreme Court Ruling and Leadership Crisis (April 2025)

In April 2025, the leadership disputes within the Labour Party (LP) intensified following a Supreme Court judgment that significantly impacted Julius Abure’s position as National Chairman. On April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court nullified previous judgments that had recognized Abure as the party’s leader, asserting that the lower courts lacked jurisdiction over internal party affairs. The court emphasized that leadership disputes within a political party are internal matters and not subject to judicial intervention.

In response to the ruling, Lamidi Apapa, a senior figure within the party, declared himself as the acting National Chairman. He cited the court’s verdict as the legal basis for assuming leadership and announced plans to convene a National Working Committee meeting to determine the future direction of the party.

Conversely, Julius Abure and his supporters contested this interpretation. They argued that the Supreme Court judgment did not amount to his removal from office, emphasizing that he was duly elected through the party’s internal mechanisms. Abure reiterated that the ruling only reinforced the autonomy of political parties to manage their own internal affairs without external interference.

This development has further polarized the Labour Party, leading to the emergence of multiple factions each claiming legitimate authority. The situation has prompted interventions from concerned stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has called for calm, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles to resolve the leadership crisis.

As of April 11, 2025, the Labour Party remains embroiled in internal conflicts, with legal and political battles continuing to shape its leadership structure.

For a detailed news report on this development, you may refer to the following video:

Personal Life

Julius Abure keeps a relatively private personal life. He is married and has children. He is known for his calm demeanor in public but is regarded by insiders as a tough negotiator and a strategic political player.

Legacy and Impact

Abure is credited with transforming the Labour Party into a serious political contender in Nigeria’s electoral politics. Under his leadership, the party moved from the fringes to center stage, appealing especially to the youth and urban electorate.

References

1. Sahara Reporters. (2025, April 8). NLC threatens action as Abure affirms Labour Party chairmanship after Supreme Court ruling. Sahara Reporters. https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/08/nlc-threatens-action-abure-affirms-labour-party-chairmanship-after-supreme-court-ruling

2. Vanguard News. (2025, April 4). Labour Party dispute deepens as Supreme Court sacks Abure as National Chairman. Vanguard Nigeria. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/labour-party-dispute-deepens-as-supreme-court-sacks-abure-as-national-chairman/

3. Vanguard News. (2025, April 5). Lamidi Apapa takes over LP after Supreme Court judgement against Abure. Vanguard Nigeria. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/lamidi-apapa-takes-over-lp-after-supreme-court-judgement-against-abure/

4. Labour Party Nigeria. (2025, April 7). Address by Barrister Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party to the National Executive Council (NEC). Labour Party Nigeria. https://labourparty.com.ng/address-by-barrister-julius-abure-national-chairman-of-the-labour-party-to-the-national-executive-council-nec-april-7-2025/

5. Arise News. (2025, April 4). Supreme Court rules on Labour Party leadership crisis. Arise News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bNh3RqYYGA

6. Punch Newspapers. (2025, April 6). Labour Party in turmoil after Supreme Court ruling. Punch. https://punchng.com/labour-party-in-turmoil-after-supreme-court-ruling/

7. PM News Nigeria. (2025, April 7). Abure insists on leadership after Supreme Court verdict. PM News Nigeria. https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/04/07/abure-insists-on-leadership-after-supreme-court-verdict/

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