“Worthless Paper” — Fresh Crisis Rocks Labour Party As Otti, Abure Clash Over 2027 Forms

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted inside the Labour Party as Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s national leadership openly clashed with embattled former National Chairman Julius Abure over the sale of nomination forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy started after photos surfaced online showing Abure presenting what he described as Labour Party nomination forms to party members in Abia State, including former National Vice Chairman, Ceekay Igara.

The move immediately sparked reactions within the party, with the current leadership accusing Abure of acting against court rulings and the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Those Forms Are Worthless” — Labour Party Fires Back

Reacting to the development, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, warned party members and aspirants not to obtain forms from Abure or his camp.

According to him, the only recognised national leadership of the Labour Party is the one headed by Senator Nenadi Usman.

Asogwa described forms allegedly issued by Abure as “worthless paper,” insisting that all legitimate nomination forms for the 2027 elections can only come from the party’s official national secretariat in Abuja.

He also accused Abure and his allies of trying to deceive unsuspecting politicians and supporters.

Otti Camp Accuses Abure Of Ignoring Court Orders

Governor Alex Otti’s camp also reacted strongly to the issue.

Through his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Ukoha, the governor argued that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had already recognised Nenadi Usman as the party’s interim leader.

According to him, INEC had also complied with the court rulings, making Abure’s continued activities a possible case of contempt of court.

He questioned why Abure was still parading himself as chairman despite the legal developments.

Abure Camp Refuses To Back Down

Despite the criticisms, Abure’s supporters insist they remain the legitimate leadership of the party until the Supreme Court gives a final judgment.

A spokesman for the group, Obiora Ifoh, said their leadership tenure had not expired and argued that the Nnewi Convention that produced Abure remained valid.

According to him, the group would continue operating as the party’s leadership pending the final decision of the apex court.

Supporters of Abure also defended the distribution of forms, saying it was a precautionary move to prevent confusion if the Supreme Court eventually rules in their favour.

ALSO READ: “Many Sold Their Votes For N5,000” — Abass Mimiko Speaks On Ondo Election

Labour Party Crisis Deepens Ahead Of 2027

The latest development has once again exposed the deep divisions inside the Labour Party as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Many political observers believe the internal crisis could affect the party’s preparations for future elections if both factions fail to reach a peaceful resolution soon.

For now, both camps appear unwilling to back down, leaving party members and supporters confused over who truly controls the Labour Party structure heading into 2027.

ALSO READ: Court Fines Plaintiff N1m In Jonathan 2027 Disqualification Suit