In a strong statement issued on Thursday, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has called on prominent party leaders, Alex Otti and Peter Obi, to put aside their differences and fully embrace the Supreme Court ruling regarding the outcome of the 2023 general elections. Abure, addressing a gathering of party members and supporters in Abuja, emphasized the importance of unity within the party, urging both leaders to cease actions that could further divide the Labour Party and undermine the party’s strength moving forward.

Abure’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing political tensions and disputes within the Labour Party, following the party’s loss in the presidential election and subsequent legal battles over election results. The Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued to be a point of contention among some Labour Party members, particularly those loyal to Peter Obi, who ran for president under the party’s banner.

A Call for Unity and Acceptance of the Supreme Court’s Verdict

In his speech, Abure called on Alex Otti, the newly elected governor of Abia State, and Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, to respect the highest judicial decision of the land and cease actions that could exacerbate internal divisions. He stated that the party must now focus on moving forward and strengthening its position as a credible opposition force in the country.

“The Supreme Court has spoken loud and clear, and it is time for us to come together and respect the rule of law,” Abure asserted. “As leaders, we must show the way by demonstrating our commitment to national unity and political stability. It is our duty to put the interests of the Labour Party and Nigeria above personal ambitions or disagreements.”

Abure’s statement was a direct response to the continued division within the party, which has been fuelled by opposing views on the legitimacy of the election results and the conduct of the election tribunal. Some members of the Labour Party, especially those supporting Obi’s presidential bid, have expressed dissatisfaction with the final ruling and have called for further legal actions, despite the Supreme Court’s judgment.

Otti and Obi: Protagonists of Division?

Abure did not mince words in addressing what he perceived as the role played by Peter Obi and Alex Otti in the party’s current internal strife. While Otti has been a vocal advocate for good governance and reforms in the country, his recent actions, according to Abure, have only served to deepen rifts within the party. Abure criticized Otti’s continued questioning of the election outcome, suggesting that it was time to accept the reality of the judicial decision and allow the party to focus on its future.

“Alex Otti is a respected leader in the Labour Party, but I must say that his stance on the election has caused unnecessary friction,” Abure noted. “We must all come to terms with the fact that the judicial system has made its pronouncement. Continuing down this path of division only weakens our cause and detracts from the real work of building the party and serving the Nigerian people.”

Abure extended similar criticism towards Peter Obi, whose political movement gained widespread support during the 2023 elections, particularly from the youth and the middle class. While acknowledging Obi’s contributions to the party, Abure suggested that his reluctance to fully embrace the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling was creating further disunity among the party’s rank and file.

“I have a deep respect for Peter Obi’s character and his drive to improve Nigeria. However, his refusal to fully accept the ruling of the Supreme Court is contributing to the division we see within the party,” Abure explained. “We must rise above personal interests and work towards the long-term success of the Labour Party. The Supreme Court’s decision is final, and it is time for us all to move forward.”

The Strain of Political Disputes

The tension within the Labour Party is not isolated to the upper echelons of its leadership. In recent months, there have been reports of discontent among party members, particularly at the grassroots level, who feel torn between loyalty to Peter Obi’s political vision and the party’s leadership under Abure. As the party grapples with its post-election identity, these internal disputes have made it difficult for the Labour Party to present a united front against the ruling APC.

Political analysts have argued that this disunity within the Labour Party could be detrimental to its future electoral success, particularly with the next round of elections just a few years away. For the party to remain a viable opposition force, it will need to reconcile these internal conflicts and focus on strengthening its organizational structure.

“The Labour Party is at a crossroads,” said political analyst Chike Opara. “Abure is right to call for unity, but the reality is that the party is divided. This isn’t just about the election results; it’s about the future direction of the party. If Obi and Otti continue to push their individual agendas, it could fracture the party beyond repair.”

Moving Beyond the 2023 Election

Abure’s call for unity comes at a critical juncture in the party’s history. Following the loss in the 2023 elections, the Labour Party has been left to rebuild its influence both at the national and state levels. While the party managed to secure significant support, particularly in urban areas, the defeat at the presidential level has left many wondering what comes next for the party and its leadership.

Abure emphasized that the focus must now be on moving beyond the 2023 election results and planning for the future. He stressed that the Labour Party’s vision remains one of social justice, good governance, and the empowerment of ordinary Nigerians. However, achieving these goals will require a united front.

“We have a responsibility to the people of Nigeria to build a stronger Labour Party, one that is focused on creating a better future for our youth, our workers, and all Nigerians,” Abure said. “This will require us to set aside our differences and work together in the interest of the party and the nation.”

Conclusion

As the Labour Party navigates this challenging period, the words of Julius Abure serve as a stark reminder of the need for unity and political maturity. While the defections and internal disagreements over the 2023 election results continue to unfold, the Labour Party’s future success will depend largely on how its leaders, particularly Peter Obi and Alex Otti, choose to handle the party’s internal divisions.

The Labour Party, as Abure has stated, must put the past behind and focus on strengthening its foundations. In doing so, it can remain a strong opposition force, ready to challenge the ruling APC and present an alternative vision for Nigeria’s future.