‘Smelly Eggs No One Will Buy’: Abure Threatens To Expose Obi, Otti In Labour Party Feud

The Labour Party’s internal crisis has reached new heights as Julius Abure, factional national chairman, issued a fiery challenge to key party figures, daring them to name individuals who allegedly received campaign funds during the 2023 general elections.

Abure, speaking on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, lashed out at those he described as “betrayers,” including former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. The meeting was convened by Rep. Joshua Chinedu Obika, who represents AMAC/Bwari federal constituency.

Abure accused certain LP leaders of hypocrisy, claiming they are now leading efforts to unseat the party’s leadership despite previously benefiting from its sacrifices and integrity.

“We rejected billions of naira. We rejected offers because of their positions. Today, they are in the forefront of those who want to throw us out of office,” Abure said.

He challenged Obi and Otti to publicly declare any funds they gave to the party or its leadership.

“Let any of them come out and tell the world what they personally gave to me or to the party. It is not to go and hide and be saying there is corruption in the party,” he charged.

In a dramatic warning, Abure threatened to expose hidden details about the party’s internal workings.

“I’m waiting for them — from top to bottom — to make any other move and I will open my mouth. And when I open my mouth, wherever they go to, they will be like smelly eggs, rotten eggs that nobody will ever buy.”

The Labour Party has been torn apart by a prolonged leadership battle. Abure’s faction is at odds with a caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman, which is backed by Obi, Otti, and Senator Ireti Kingibe.

Following a Supreme Court ruling in April that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to affirm Abure as chairman, both factions have laid claim to party leadership.

On May 7, the Abure-led faction suspended Otti and Kingibe for alleged anti-party activities. In response, the caretaker committee set up a probe panel headed by Kingibe to investigate Abure for corruption and financial mismanagement. Days later, the committee announced Abure’s suspension.

Governor Otti has since called on the Inspector-General of Police to arrest Abure for alleged impersonation.

As the battle for control intensifies, Abure’s warning signals that the Labour Party’s internal rift is far from over.