The National Transition Committee (NTC) of the Labour Party has praised the suspension of Barr. Julius Abure by the ward executive council of his home state, Edo. The committee, led by former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman Comrade Statesman Omar Abdulwaheed, lauded the decisive action taken by Abure’s ward chairman, Mr. Thompson Ehiguese, and the state Labour Party under Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi.

Comrade Tony Akeni, chairman of the NTC’s sub-committee on Media and Publicity, delivered the commendation, noting the suspension was based on documented infractions and solid evidence of Abure’s alleged misconduct. “The infractions adduced in the document of suspension correspond with solid evidences of Abure’s incredible combinations of gross administrative, financial, and anti-party misconduct already long in our possession,” Akeni stated.

Abdulwaheed clarified that Abure was suspended not as the national chairman but as an ordinary party member. He cited a Justice Gabriel Kolawole consent judgment and an agreement involving the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that ended Abure’s chairmanship tenure on June 27, 2023.

Omar Abdulwaheed called on law enforcement to protect Edo Labour Party members traveling to Abuja to present their suspension documents and grievances. He emphasized the need for authorities to ensure the safety of these members, contrasting this with the alleged preferential treatment given to Abure.

Fielding questions, Akeni highlighted the financial grievances leading to Abure’s suspension, citing claims from Edo state secretary Comrade Fred Akhere. Akhere accused Abure of significant financial misconduct, including misappropriating funds from the sales of governorship forms and other party activities. He alleged that Abure had received over ₦460 million from form sales and failed to adequately fund the party’s activities during the general elections, particularly in Edo state.

Akhere also accused Abure of conspiring with Governor Godwin Obaseki to undermine Labour Party’s candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, in the upcoming governorship election. Akhere described the Labour Party’s Edo state secretariat as being in a deplorable condition, reflecting the alleged mismanagement of funds.

Comrade Akeni concluded by expressing his support for the Edo state Labour Party’s actions and underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity within the party. The NTC reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and transparency within the Labour Party, urging all members to uphold these principles for the betterment of the party and the nation.