Senator Nenadi Usman has formally assumed control of the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, marking a significant leadership shift within the party following a recent court ruling.
Usman, now serving as Acting National Chairman, arrived at the party headquarters under heavy security presence, with armed police officers stationed within and around the premises to maintain order during the transition.
The development was confirmed in a phone interview by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa.
At the secretariat, police officers conducted thorough security checks on party members, supporters, and journalists before granting access. Visual changes were also evident, as banners and billboards bearing the images of Julius Abure and his executives had been removed and replaced with those of Usman and the newly recognised leadership.
Sources indicated that the interim leadership has directed members to begin preparations for similar transitions at Labour Party state secretariats across the country.
Describing the takeover as long overdue, Usman stated that the police presence was coordinated to ensure a peaceful and lawful transition in line with the court’s judgment.
“The police mounting guard at the national secretariat were invited by our people. They are there to perform their duties in line with the court’s judgment. We are doing this together with the NLC,” she said.
She dismissed concerns about any confrontation with the Abure-led faction, maintaining that there was no basis for resistance.
“There can’t be any confrontation from Abure. He moved all his belongings from the office after the judgment. There is no longer room for factional claims. We are officially taking over the party,” Usman added.
The leadership change follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that Julius Abure’s tenure had expired. The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the caretaker committee led by Usman pending the conduct of a national convention.
INEC subsequently updated its records, replacing Abure’s name with Usman’s as Acting National Chairman, along with other newly recognised national officers.
In reaction to the development, the factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, indicated that the Abure-led group would issue an official response, noting that the judgment has been appealed.
Meanwhile, the interim leadership has announced an official handover ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. at the party’s secretariat.
The unfolding events signal a pivotal moment for the Labour Party as it navigates internal restructuring under judicial guidance and regulatory recognition.
