Labour Party Condemns Abure’s Secret Meeting With Wike, Reaffirms Suspension.
The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria has been rocked by fresh controversy following a clandestine meeting between its embattled former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The party’s leadership has strongly condemned the encounter, describing it as a betrayal of trust and reaffirming Abure’s suspension from the party. The development, which surfaced through a viral image on social media, has deepened existing divisions within the LP, sparking heated debates among members and supporters.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, was revealed through a photograph showing Abure and Wike exchanging pleasantries, prompting outrage from the LP’s National Working Committee (NWC). In a statement issued on Sunday, 13 July 2025, the party accused Abure of engaging in “anti-party activities” by holding discussions with Wike, a prominent figure in the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The LP leadership expressed dismay, questioning Abure’s loyalty and motives, particularly given his ongoing suspension, which was first announced earlier this year over allegations of financial mismanagement and disregard for party protocols.
Posts on X captured the intensity of the backlash, with one user stating, “Abure’s meeting with Wike is a slap in the face to LP members who trusted him to lead with integrity.” The LP’s factional leadership, led by the NWC, reiterated that Abure’s suspension remains in place, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the party by aligning with external forces. The statement further clarified that Abure’s actions do not represent the LP’s values or its commitment to transparency and grassroots democracy. The party urged its members to remain united and focus on its agenda ahead of future elections.
The controversy has reignited tensions within the LP, which has been grappling with internal strife since the 2023 general elections. Abure, who led the party during its notable performance in the presidential race, has faced persistent criticism from factions within the LP, particularly over his leadership style and alleged unilateral decisions. His meeting with Wike, a political heavyweight known for his strategic manoeuvring, has raised suspicions among party faithful, with some speculating about potential defections or alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike’s involvement adds further complexity to the saga. As a key PDP figure and former Rivers State governor, his influence in Nigerian politics is significant. The LP’s condemnation of the meeting reflects broader concerns about external interference in the party’s affairs, particularly as it seeks to maintain its identity as a progressive alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties.
The LP has called for calm among its supporters, urging them to disregard what it described as “divisive antics” by Abure and his associates. The party’s leadership has also vowed to take further disciplinary action if necessary, to safeguard its unity and principles. As the fallout from this secret meeting continues to unfold, the Labour Party faces a critical test of its resilience, with members and observers watching closely to see how it navigates this latest challenge in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape
