Labour Party tightens security as Abure warns NLC against secretariat takeover

Tensions within the Labour Party escalated on Friday as the faction loyal to embattled National Chairman Julius Abure heightened security at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja amid reports of an imminent takeover attempt by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

When Sunday PUNCH visited the party’s secretariat, security presence had visibly increased.

At least six armed police officers were seen guarding the premises, along with private security operatives reportedly hired by the party’s leadership.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, confirmed the move, stating that intelligence received from reliable sources suggested plans by NLC affiliates to forcefully occupy the premises.

“This is purely a precautionary step. After earlier threats by the NLC to take over our secretariat, we had to alert the police and other relevant security agencies,” Ifoh said.

He explained that while the party was committed to peace and would not resort to violence, it had every right to protect its property, especially after NLC President Joe Ajaero reportedly vowed to assume control of the secretariat in the coming days.

“As a law-abiding party, we won’t meet threats with aggression. But we also won’t sit idle when our offices are under threat,” he added.

The latest development follows a fresh directive from the NLC to its branches across the country, urging a coordinated occupation of the Labour Party’s offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite the pressure, the Abure-led National Working Committee has insisted it will not back down, describing the NLC’s actions as an illegal intrusion into the affairs of a registered political party.

The power struggle between the party and the labour union dates back to March 21, 2024, when NLC President Ajaero and a group of union members reportedly stormed the LP national headquarters.

Abure’s camp accused them of trying to gain access to confidential documents and financial records under the guise of intervention.

As the crisis deepens, both sides appear unwilling to compromise, leaving the party’s stability hanging in the balance.