A year after internal divisions split the opposition Labour Party in Nigeria, with factions led by National Chairman Julius Abure and Deputy National Chairman (South) Lamidi Apapa claiming leadership, both camps have agreed to reunite.
Tensions erupted in April 2023 when a court restrained Abure and three others from acting as national officers, prompting a fierce counter-effort by Abure to retain his position, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under President Joe Ajaero.
The conflict intensified after a contentious national convention in Anambra, which re-elected Abure and his loyalists, leading to picketing and threats from unionists.
In response, the NLC Political Commission voided the new leadership and established a transition committee to organize a fresh convention within 90 days. Faced with mounting pressure, Abure sought reconciliation with the Apapa faction.
According to an anonymous source at the LP national secretariat, Abure’s move aimed to create a united front against NLC threats and internal dissent.
Factional spokesman Abayomi Arabambi confirmed the reconciliation, stating they had no personal issue with Abure but opposed NLC’s influence. Arabambi emphasized their united stance against those seeking to control the party for disruptive purposes and expressed relief at the resolution.
Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh also confirmed the reconciliation, asserting the party’s unity and welcoming the return of former dissenters. He noted that the party’s constitution would address any deviations, emphasizing that many former adversaries were now rejoining the fold.
This resolution signals a more unified Labour Party moving forward, as it prepares for future political challenges and elections.
