How Abure led hoodlums to steal all Labour Party files, documents – Usman

The ongoing crisis in the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Thursday as the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee accused former national chairman Julius Abure of orchestrating a break-in at the party’s national secretariat in Utako.

The caretaker committee, which took over the secretariat on Monday following a Federal High Court judgment, alleged that Abure ordered thugs to vandalise offices on Tuesday night and cart away sensitive party documents.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Usman described the incident as “uncivilised” and said several documents were missing. “When we first took over, I saw many files, but they have now disappeared. It will take time to determine exactly what was taken, but it is a very sad development,” she said.

According to reports, Abure arrived at the secretariat around 8:30pm on Tuesday with former executive members and security personnel, allegedly assaulted the guards, and proceeded to ransack offices in search of documents.

“The loss of institutional documents is deeply troubling. Every institution must be respected because there must be institutional memory,” Usman added, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.

The Federal High Court had earlier recognised Usman as chair of the caretaker committee and directed INEC to acknowledge her leadership, effectively ending Abure’s tenure.

On party preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, Usman said the committee would conduct a nationwide membership revalidation exercise, registering both new and existing members to strengthen the party.

When asked about the reported defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Usman said leadership could emerge from various quarters. “Peter Obi is just one person. Leadership can emerge at the appropriate time,” she said, affirming that the party remained open to returning members willing to work for its progress.

Security officer Aminu Salusi confirmed the break-in, saying Abure and his group forced entry when keys were refused. Meanwhile, Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), assured that the labour movement would support efforts to stabilise the party ahead of the elections.