The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure on Monday warned there is no vacuum in the party’s leadership.

Abure issued the warning ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting called by LP’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

Speaking at a public conference at the party secretariat, Abure described Obi and Otti as betrayals.

He noted that the Supreme Court was clear in its judgment, stressing that LP matters are internal affairs of political platforms.

According to Abure: “Tell them that there is no vacancy in our party. In the Labour Party, we don’t betray our candidates even though some betray us after giving them tickets.

“We also want to urge those who have been deceived by last week’s misleading interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment to disregard the speculation. I remain the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

“Again, the Labour Party Constitution does not recognise the setting up of a caretaker committee for party affairs.”

Ekwutosblog had reported that Obi and Otti had called for a NEC meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday in Abuja.

The duo said the meeting would be followed by a town hall engagement with major stakeholders at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled hearing for May 28 in a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an order for final forfeiture of N228.4million linked to former Governor of Abia, Theodore Orji.

Justice Emeka Nwite chose the date on Monday after EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf informed the court that her client has complied with an earlier order for publication.

Yusuf said: “I wish to state that we have complied by publishing the report on the commission’s website and in a newspaper, as directed by the court.

She then applied for a date to move the motion on notice for final forfeiture.

Justice Nwite granted her request and and adjourned till May 28 for the hearing of the motion.

In a supporting affidavit, the EFCC claimed that the money is a subject of investigation by its operatives, which was found in the possession of a firm, Effdee Nigeria Ltd.

It said the money was suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The EFCC added: “Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Abia State Government to wit: conspiracy, abuse of office, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and diversion of public funds.

“Effdee Nigeria Ltd, in whose possession the monies were found, is reasonably suspected to have conspired with Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, some officials in the former governor’s administration and his family members.”

It stated that the ex-governor and others are being investigated for the allegations following intelligence report received by the commission against Orji.

According to the EFCC, there is the need to preserve the money pending investigation and/or prosecution.

The faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) loyal to former presidential candidate Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reiterated its claim to the party’s leadership despite a court ruling that dismissed its legal challenge.

The group, led by Dr Ajuji Ahmed, reaffirmed that it remains in charge of the NNPP’s operations, arguing that the recent verdict did not affect the existing leadership structure.

The party has been entangled in a leadership tussle since after the 2023 general elections, with two rival camps laying claim to its control, a situation that has triggered internal chaos—particularly in Kano State, where the NNPP holds executive power.

Last week, the Federal Capital Territory High Court struck out a suit filed by the Ajuji-led camp challenging the legitimacy of another faction headed by Chief Boniface Aniebonam and the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major.

The plaintiffs, including Dr Ajuji and 20 others, asked the court to stop officials from the opposing camp from convening meetings or organizing party conventions, arguing that they had been expelled.

But in his ruling, Justice M.A. Hassan declined jurisdiction, stating that matters concerning internal party disagreements, including leadership and membership disputes, fall outside the scope of judicial determination.

“The position of the law, as upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, is clear: courts do not adjudicate on matters that fall within the internal affairs of a political party, except in cases relating to the nomination of candidates for elections,” Justice Hassan ruled.

The judgment did not clarify which faction holds legitimate authority, thereby prolonging the party’s leadership crisis.

Aniebonam’s camp claims victory

Members of the Aniebonam-led faction welcomed the court’s decision as validation of their leadership.

Factional Secretary Oginni Olaposi described the verdict as a win for internal party democracy.

“This verdict affirms the legitimacy of the NNPP leadership under Dr. Agbo Major and reestablishes the authority of our Board of Trustees, led by Chief Boniface Aniebonam. It sends a strong message that party matters should be resolved internally,” Olaposi said.

Segun Fiki, legal counsel to the defendants, echoed this stance.

“The court has spoken clearly—this matter is non-justiciable. The legitimate leadership of the NNPP has been affirmed and we now expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to formally recognise and engage with the party’s duly elected officials,” he said.

Kwankwaso camp dismisses claims of legitimacy

In a swift response, the Kwankwaso camp warned against misinterpreting the court’s decision.

Barrister Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the Ajuji-led faction, accused expelled members of spreading misinformation.

“Quite expectedly, some of the defendants in the suit—who remain expelled from the party—have rushed to misinform Nigerians by twisting the judgement. Contrary to their false claims, there was no pronouncement conferring legitimacy or authority on any so-called Board of Trustees,” Johnson asserted.

He maintained that the expulsion of Boniface Aniebonam, Agbo Major, Olaposi Oginni, and others—previously upheld by a Federal High Court on April 18, 2024—remains in force.

Referencing constitutional and electoral provisions, Johnson emphasized that leadership legitimacy rests with the body recognized by INEC.

“If you check with INEC or visit its portal, you won’t find the names of Boniface Aniebonam, Major Agbo, Olaposi Oginni, or their allies listed as members of the NNPP’s NWC,” he said.

“The judgment in question did not issue any directive to INEC or disturb the current status of the NNPP. The party’s management remains firmly under the leadership of Dr Ajuji Ahmed,” he added.