Politics

Labour Party Condemns Abure’s Secret Meeting with Wike, Reaffirms His Suspension

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Labour Party Condemns Abure’s Secret Meeting with Wike, Reaffirms His Suspension

Senator Kingibe Dismisses Defection Rumors, Reiterates Loyalty to Labour Party

The Labour Party (LP) has condemned a recently circulated photograph showing its suspended former National Chairman, Julius Abure, in a seemingly cordial meeting with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The party views this interaction as further evidence of Abure’s involvement with elements determined to undermine the Labour movement from within.

Meanwhile, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) has categorically denied circulating reports suggesting she has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a rising political force in Nigeria’s landscape.

The controversial image, shared publicly by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, stirred widespread speculation across political circles. However, the Labour Party described it as the conclusive proof of Abure’s disloyalty.

Wike, who is the former governor of Rivers State and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has also aligned himself with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including supporting his bid for re-election.

In a sharply worded statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser on Media to the LP’s acting National Chairman, the party lashed out:

“Julius Abure is no longer part of the Labour Party. He is an opportunist masquerading as a leader while cozying up to political adversaries. He has never represented LP’s ideals.”

Asogwa further contrasted Abure’s actions with those of genuine leaders like Peter Obi, who continue to engage Nigerians on critical issues, and Senator Nenadi Usman, who is championing the party’s interests internationally.

“While true leaders focus on serving the people, Abure chooses to fraternize with those Nigerians decisively rejected at the polls. His allegiance lies with architects of oppression and election malpractices. He is a pawn, not a leader.”

The party also accused Abure of repeatedly abandoning his responsibilities during vital periods—being absent during local government elections in Lagos, campaign events in Kogi, Edo, and Anambra states, and failing to support party unity when it was most needed.

“He only appears when there are deals to be made or photo opportunities with those intent on dismantling everything LP represents,” the statement said.

Reaffirming the suspension of Abure, the party emphasized:

“He holds no official position, mandate, or moral right to speak on behalf of Labour Party. Julius Abure is no longer a member of the LP.”

The statement criticized his alleged “betrayal and double-dealing,” highlighting his association with Wike and others deemed enemies of progress.

“This raises the obvious question: whose interests is he truly serving? Certainly not those of Nigerians.”

Turning to party unity, LP called on supporters to remain alert and steadfast. Senator Kingibe, speaking with reporters in Abuja, described the rumors of her defection as “completely false and misleading.”

The confusion reportedly arose after Kingibe’s recent participation in a political coalition event, where opposition leaders from LP, PDP, APC, and SDP endorsed ADC as a joint platform for the 2027 elections. At that event, Kingibe was quoted as saying,

“I am totally and completely committed to ADC,” which many interpreted as a party switch.

Clarifying her remarks, Kingibe stated that her comment was meant to endorse the coalition’s shared goals, not to announce a change in party membership.

“I remain a proud member of the Labour Party,” she asserted.

“Attending coalition meetings does not equate to defecting.”

She explained that her reference to joining a “new platform with noise and fanfare” was symbolic, relating to the importance of any future political steps, not an immediate move.

“Representing the FCT, you can’t expect me to just quietly switch parties. If I decide to leave, it will be a public, deliberate decision,” Kingibe said.

She concluded by reaffirming her loyalty to the Labour Party and her commitment to serving her constituents.

“Alongside leaders like Peter Obi, I remain steadfast

in LP. My dedication has not wavered.”