Labour Party Chairman, Julius Abure
Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has strongly condemned the recent physical attack on its National Chairman, Julius Abure, describing the incident as a “cowardly act of political intimidation.”
Addressing the media in Benin City on Monday, Edo State LP Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Ativie, expressed outrage over the assault, which reportedly occurred at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Benin Airport. The attack was allegedly carried out by a social media influencer known for targeting political figures.
> “This was not just an attack on an individual—it was an attack on the very soul of our party,” Ativie stated. “The Labour Party will not be bullied, harassed, or silenced by individuals or their invisible sponsors.”
She called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure the immediate arrest of the attacker and urged that the investigation be extended to uncover those who may have orchestrated or financed the act.
> “Whoever is behind this has clearly crossed the line. We are taking legal steps to protect our party, its image, and our officials from such calculated harassment,” Ativie added.
Reaffirming Abure’s leadership, she clarified that his position as National Chairman remains valid, following his re-election during the party’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, in 2024.
> “Let it be known that Julius Abure remains our duly elected chairman. His tenure was renewed by the will of the party, and no amount of noise or violence will change that.”
Ativie also appealed to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to help rein in overzealous supporters by ensuring they are guided by facts rather than misinformation.
> “We respect our leaders, but we also expect them to discourage actions that divide and embarrass the party,” she said.
As the LP navigates internal challenges and external pressures, party leaders insist they will not tolerate intimidation in any form—and are prepared to take legal and political steps to defend their leadership and members.
