There was chaos and confusion in the early hours of Tuesday as the Barrister Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party announced it had reclaimed the party’s National Secretariat following what it described as an “illegal invasion” by a rival faction.
The party alleged that the secretariat was stormed at about 1am by loyalists of Senator Nenadi Usman, allegedly supported by security operatives and officials from the Abia State Government.
In a statement signed by Obiora Ifoh, the party declared, “The Barrister Julius Abure leadership of the Labour Party has recovered the party’s national secretariat illegally occupied by the Abia state government and the Nenadi Usman’s group earlier today.”
According to the statement, the operation was carried out under the cover of darkness.
“Thugs loyal to Senator Usman broke into the Secretariat complex by 1am early Tuesday morning pulling down party’s billboards and carting away valuables. Aided by 8 truck load of policemen, Nenadi Usman and a few of her cohorts broke security doors and gained access into the National Chairman and secretary’s offices carting away sensitive and confidential party documents. They also addressed a press conference.”
The Abure faction described the action as unlawful and insisted that it had regained full control of the Utako-based headquarters.
“However, the leadership of the party has since recovered its secretariat after it was discovered that the operation by the Nenadi and the deputy governor of Abia state, was illegal and unauthorized.”
The party said it would not let the matter slide, revealing plans to assess damages and pursue legal action.
“The party will take inventory of the losses and outright theft that are observed resulting from the illegal invasion after which a formal charge will be pressed.”
Despite the overnight drama, the leadership assured members that activities would resume without delay.
“The party by this statement is assuring the public and the party members that normal party activities will resume tomorrow being Wednesday February 11, 2026 at the Utako headquarters of the party. The party also regrets the inconveniences the temporal hiccup must have caused our teeming members.”
It also issued a strong warning to rival claimants to the party’s leadership.
“We also warn that the party will no longer tolerate further attempts by some desperate politicians to impugn on the lawful activities of the party. We also advice any group claiming leadership to exercise patience until the final determination of the matters at the appellate courts in the land.”
The latest clash speaks volume about the deepening leadership crisis affecting the Labour Party, as factions continue to battle for control both in court and on the political stage.
