Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Nenadi Usman has formally assumed control of the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, marking a major turning point in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute. The takeover took place on Tuesday under tight security, with armed police officers stationed within and around the headquarters as the acting national chairman moved to enforce a recent court judgment.
Security operatives screened party members, supporters, and journalists before granting access to the premises, while all banners and billboards bearing the names and images of the Julius Abure-led faction were removed. They were immediately replaced with new materials identifying Usman as the party’s leader. Sources at the secretariat confirmed that the interim leadership has also directed preparations to begin for the takeover of Labour Party state offices across the country.
Okay News reports that Usman described the development as long overdue, insisting that the police presence was invited to ensure a smooth transition in line with the court’s ruling. She stated that there was no basis for resistance from the Abure faction, noting that his team had already vacated the offices following the judgment. According to her, the process is being carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and will remain peaceful.
The leadership change follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which declared that Julius Abure’s tenure had elapsed and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise a caretaker committee led by Usman pending the conduct of a national convention. INEC has since updated its records to reflect Usman as acting national chairman. While the Abure faction has claimed the judgment is under appeal, the interim leadership has announced plans for an official handover ceremony at the party secretariat, signalling its readiness to move forward with reorganising the party nationwide.
