By: IDNN Legal & Legislative Desk
The Labour Party’s internal woes escalated Monday as Nigeria’s Attorney General formally recommended the prosecution of its embattled former national chairman, Julius Abure, over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery, and perjury.
The directive, issued after months of legal review, stems from a petition filed by Ebonyi LP governorship candidate Splendour Oko Eze, who accused Abure and three others of forging documents to unlawfully substitute his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ballot list in 2023.
Charges Unveiled: From Conspiracy to False Declaration
A letter from the AGF’s office confirmed that there was “prima facie evidence” against Abure, Farouk Umar Ibrahim, Nkwegu Edward Okereke, and Ojukwu Clement. The offences include:
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Criminal Conspiracy (Section 97)
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Forgery and Use of False Document (Sections 362, 363, 364)
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Giving False Evidence and Declaration (Sections 156, 158, 164) of the Penal Code.
Despite the AGF’s explicit recommendation, the Nigerian Police Force is yet to take definitive action, prompting criticism from members of the LP caucus.
“I’m Vindicated” — Afam Ogene Fires Back
Labour Party’s House of Reps caucus leader, Hon. Afam Ogene, wasted no time reacting to the directive.
“This validates everything we’ve been saying about Abure’s lack of moral authority. The law has finally caught up.”
Ogene urged the police to stop “foot-dragging” and prosecute the case to serve as a deterrent to political actors who undermine democratic institutions through illegal practices.
Timeline of the Allegations
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2023: LP primary election in Ebonyi held. Splendour Oko Eze claims victory.
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Weeks later: His name was reportedly removed and replaced via forged documents.
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Late 2023 – Early 2024: Eze petitions AGF, accuses Abure and others.
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May 2025: AGF confirms merit in allegations, recommends prosecution.
The AGF’s letter is seen as a landmark development that could reshape the LP’s internal power structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
LP on the Brink: Legal and Political Ramifications
This development comes at a critical time, with the Labour Party still reeling from a Supreme Court judgment that ruled against Abure’s continued chairmanship. With coalition talks involving Obi and Atiku in play, internal stability within the LP is seen as essential.
If Abure is formally arraigned, it could open the door for rival factions to completely realign the party’s leadership and policy direction.
