In a development adding fuel to the factional crisis within the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, the National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, has been arrested by security operatives.
The arrest occurred just days before the scheduled primary election in the state.
Abure’s apprehension took place on Wednesday under the jurisdiction of Zone 5 police headquarters in Benin, Edo State. Video footage and images circulated widely, depicting Abure being forcefully handled by police officers while his LP supporters attempted to intervene.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 5, Tijani Momoh, acknowledged that Abure’s arrest was in response to a petition originating from the office of the Inspector General of Police in Abuja. Momoh disclosed, “There is a standing order for now that nobody should come in.”
The specific contents of the petition were not disclosed by Momoh, leaving the reasons for Abure’s detainment unclear. When queried about Abure’s status, Momoh stated, “I don’t know for now.”
Abure’s tenure as LP National Chairman has been marked by internal strife, notably concerning allegations of candidate substitution without consent during the 2023 general election. Abure has consistently denied these accusations. Additionally, the recent brutalization of a factional national youth leader within the party has further exacerbated tensions.
