Julius Abure
Julius Abure | |
|---|---|
| Former National Chairman of the Labour Party | |
| Preceded by | Abdukadir Abdulsalam |
| In office 2021–2024 | |
| Succeeded by | Senator Nenadi Usman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 June 1971 |
| Political party | Labour Party |
Julius Abure (born 24 June 1971)[1] is a Nigerian lawyer, politician and former National Chairman Labour Party (LP). He served as the National Chairman until his tenure elapsed in 2024. Abure superintended a chaotic period in the party, having himself assumed the position in a controversial fashion.
Abure was previously the National Secretary of the Labour Party and also worked at the Edo State Reform Commission.[2]
Career
[edit]Politics
[edit]Abure became the chairman of the Nigerian political party, Labour Party following the death of his predecessor Abdukadir Abdulsalam. He was elected by the Labour Party National Executive Council (NEC) in 2021, as he was the National Secretary of the party at the time.[3]
However, his chairmanship has been challenged by some party members, especially Lamidi Apapa, the suspended deputy national chairman, who claimed to have removed Abure through a court order.[4]
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has recently affirmed Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, dismissing the appeal filed by Lucky Shaibu, a party member who supported Apapa.[4][5]
Abure has received the backing of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, who both recognized him as the legitimate leader of the party.[6]
Controversy
[edit]On 21 February 2024, he was arrested by the Edo State Police Command on allegations of attempted murder, among other alleged infractions.[7][8] The arrest followed a petition by the LP Youth Leader Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia, who claimed that Abure orchestrated a violent attack on him and his colleague in December 2023.[9] He was released on 22 February 2024.[10][11][12]
He is also facing allegations of embezzlement of N3 billion belonging to the party, which was laid by the suspended National Treasurer of the party, Oluchi Opara.[13]
Julius was also accused of trying to disrupt the party's gubernatorial primaries in Edo State, which was scheduled to hold on Friday, 23 February 2024. Amongst all, He has been criticized by some party members for his autocratic style of leadership and lack of transparency in the party's affairs.
References
[edit]- ^ Ifoh, Obiora (24 June 2023). "Labour Party Celebrates its National Chairman, Abure at 52". Labour party. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ Adeduyite, Okiki (27 March 2024). "Abure controversially re-elected himself as LP national chairman". The Punch. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
- ^ Opanuga, Jimisayo (15 August 2023). "Appeal court affirms Julius Abure as Labour Party chairman". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ a b Benneth, Joshua (29 March 2021). "Labour Party Gets New National Chairman". The Whistler. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Okojie, Kelvin (24 May 2023). "Julius Abure remains the national chairman of the Labour Party — NLC". Business Day. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Okojie, Kelvin (1 May 2023). "The Chairman of Labour Party is Barrister Julius Abure — Peter Obi". Business Day. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Ademola, Cyrus (21 February 2024). "Police arrest LP National Chairman, Julius Abure in Edo State". Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ "Labour Party's Chairman Abure Arrested In Edo". Channels TV. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Oyero, Kayode (21 February 2024). "LP's Abure Arrested For Attempted Murder — Police". Channels TV. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Sahabi, Ahmad (22 February 2024). "Just In: Police release Julius Abure — hours after arrest for 'attempted murder'". TheCable. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Dada, Paul (22 February 2024). "Police release Julius Abure on bail". Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ^ Sunday, Ochogwu (22 February 2024). "Labour Party chairman, Abure, others released". Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ Ochoga, Patrick (21 February 2024). "Updated: 48 Hours To Edo LP Gov'ship Primaries, Police Arrest National Chairman Over Petition". Leadership. Retrieved 22 February 2024.