On Friday, Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, responded firmly to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, asserting that his leadership was crucial in helping Otti attain his current position.
Abure shared his views during an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee at their Abuja headquarters, addressing Otti’s earlier statements made on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where the governor claimed they had regained control of the party from Abure, who he accused of “masturbating” over his claims of still being in charge.
Otti stated, “This is a democracy, and sometimes you have to stand for something. I can’t promise not to leave the Labour Party; what if it doesn’t exist tomorrow? The party that enabled my rise to power is Labour. We have fought back and taken control of the Labour Party. I will send you the Supreme Court judgment, and once you read it, you’ll understand that Abure’s claims are baseless.”
In contrast, Abure asserted that Otti owes his success to the leadership of the Labour Party. He remarked, “I feel it’s necessary to respond, so he knows he’s not the only one allowed to speak. As responsible leaders of this party committed to the nation’s progress, we contributed to their rise.
“Without being boastful, we helped Governor Alex Otti. We supported him, made sacrifices, and turned down bribes and offers to ensure he became governor. Yet, he misinforms the public regarding the Supreme Court ruling on national television.
“My main concern is his inappropriate language, ridiculing us for maintaining party leadership and using the term ‘masturbating’ regarding the situation. Historically, people seen as diminutive were acknowledged for their great ideas, but Otti is lacking both in stature and intellect.”
Abure emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling made clear that decisions about party leadership are internal issues governed by the party’s constitution.
Labeling Otti a “jester,” Abure expressed embarrassment at the governor collaborating with other party dissenters to present the court ruling to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stated, “It is evident. When the Supreme Court declares that leadership is an internal matter for the party, it is easily understood. Even a layperson can grasp that the party’s constitution is paramount. For him to appear on national television today, after presenting himself to INEC like a fool, is shameful.
“Look at how a whole governor has diminished himself by submitting the Supreme Court CTC, thinking he could pressure INEC. However, we understand that INEC is an established institution that adheres to law and procedure.
“I want to make it clear that Otti does not embody the values of our party. We informed Nigerians in 2023 that the Labour Party would produce leaders who would be different. We asserted that a new Nigeria is possible. But what are we witnessing today?” he questioned.
