Labour Party Leadership Crisis: Usman Faction Challenges Abure’s Hold, Submits List to INEC

A fresh power struggle is brewing within Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now caught in the middle. Senator Nenadi Usman’s faction, a group purportedly backed by prominent figures like Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, just delivered a list of 34 individuals to INEC, claiming them as the real Interim National Working Committee (INWC). This throws a significant wrench into the established leadership of Julius Abure, who only a day prior, convened his own NEC meeting in Abuja.

This isn’t merely an internal squabble; it has implications for the future direction and viability of the Labour Party as a political force, particularly as the next election cycle approaches.

The Usman faction’s move hinges on a National Executive Council (NEC) resolution from July 18, 2025, which they assert empowers them to form this interim leadership. Their submission to INEC, dated November 27, 2025, explicitly asks the electoral body to recognize their list as the authentic leadership, effectively sidelining Abure. It’s a bold maneuver, no question about it.

Yet, this whole situation raises a few immediate questions. First, the reliance on a past NEC resolution suggests a disagreement on the present course of the party. Just what prompted Usman’s faction to activate this resolution now, and why not sooner? Is it a genuine attempt to steer the party in a new direction, or is there something else driving this power play?

The cover letter accompanying the list goes as far as to say that their submitted list “superseded” an earlier list submitted in August, and any lists recently given by Abure to the commission. This is quite contentious.

The list itself reveals a composition seemingly geared toward broader representation. It features individuals identified with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alongside other figures. This suggests an attempt to solidify the Labour Party’s roots within the labor movement – a potentially savvy move, if it’s genuine.

Abure’s faction, however, isn’t sitting idly by. Their NEC meeting, observed by INEC officials, signals an attempt to demonstrate continued control. The presence of Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s former vice-presidential candidate, further emphasizes a show of unity and authority.

INEC’s position is crucial here. It now has to decide which faction, if either, to recognize. A wrong move could lead to further factionalism, court battles, and internal party paralysis. Given these facts, any decision from INEC will likely be heavily scrutinized, and potentially challenged in court.

The Labour Party, a relative newcomer on the Nigerian political scene, gained considerable traction in the last election. Still, internal conflict like this can severely hinder its ability to maintain momentum and present a united front. Nigerians will have to watch closely.

From my experience watching Nigerian politics, these kinds of internal struggles often boil down to a clash of personalities, differing ideologies, and of course, control over party resources and influence. It’s worth noting that such divisions can be incredibly damaging, regardless of which side is ultimately “right.”

This challenge highlights a recurring theme within Nigerian politics: the difficulty of building and sustaining strong, unified political parties. Personal ambition and factionalism often overshadow the broader goals of the party, weakening its ability to effectively represent the interests of its constituents.

To that end, the Labour Party must find a way to resolve this leadership dispute quickly and decisively. The party needs to prioritize unity and focus on building a stronger platform for the future. If they fail to do so, they risk squandering the opportunity they’ve been given.

As an observer, I remain cautiously skeptical. The Labour Party has the potential to be a major force in Nigerian politics, but it needs to address these internal issues head-on. It’s possible a mediated settlement will be reached. It’s also possible that the courts will get involved. Whatever happens, the outcome will significantly shape the future of the party and its role in Nigerian politics.

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Keywords: Labour Party crisis, INEC Nigeria, Usman faction, Abure leadership, Nigerian politics, Peter Obi, Alex Otti, LP leadership dispute