Paul Nwosu
Julius Abure, factional leader of the Labour Party, appears unfazed as he threatens sanctions against Peter Obi and Alex Otti over alleged anti-party activities. This follows the duo’s plan to chart a new course for the party, after a court ruling declared the party’s crisis an internal affair.
Abure’s camp, interpreting the ruling as a green light to assert dominance, believes it now has the upper hand to rein in dissenters. But such a view ignores a key truth: the Labour Party was a political shell before heavyweight defectors brought it to life. Their entrance, and that of their supporters, turned the party into a competitive force.
Abure, it seems, has mistaken this electoral success for his own organisational skill. a
As party newcomers push for openness and structural reform, the old guard resists, fearing loss of control. This tension has stifled growth and led many members to quietly exit.
With Abure issuing what sounds like an authoritarian edict, he risks pushing out the very leaders who gave the party relevance. And rivals like APC are watching, ready to welcome the disenchanted members with open hands.
If Abure wants to keep Labour afloat, he must abandon ego and embrace negotiation. It’s better to have a small stake in a thriving party than absolute control over a sinking one.
*Paul Nwosu PhD is the Editor-in-Chief of Anambra Times
