Rt. Hon. Benedict Etanabene, the Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency of Delta state in the House of Representatives, has cautioned party members against plots to remove Julius Abure, the embattled Chairman of Labour Party (LP), warning that such actions carry serious legal consequences and could further destabilise the party.
Etanabene spoke against the backdrop of internal tensions within the Labour Party and a recent Court of Appeal ruling that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman Nenadi as the party’s leader, a development that has further aggravated leadership disputes in the party.
Reacting to allegations that Abure’s tenure as national chairman has elapsed, the lawmaker dismissed the argument as deliberate misinformation deliberately orchestrated to weaken the party.
“I have and will continue to say! Only those who want to destroy the labour party will say Barr Julius Abure tenure has elapsed. This event was in 2024. I administered the oath of office on them. Say you don’t agree with the convention, but not that his tenure is over.”
He stressed that the leadership produced at the party’s convention followed due process and cannot be wished away by political interests.
“The chairman of the convention was the Deputy Governor of Abia state, representing the Governor.”
According to Etanabene, attempts to undermine the current leadership under the guise of legal interpretation risk plunging the party into avoidable litigation and weakening its opposition strength ahead of future elections.
He further appealed to party faithful to uphold integrity and internal democracy, insisting that principled leadership still exists within the Labour Party.
“There are still men and women of honour and integrity in the Labour Party.”
The warning comes as the Labour Party grapples with parallel claims to leadership and increasing concern that prolonged internal battles could erode public confidence and distract from the party’s core political objectives.
