TDComrade Eze Oko Splendour, the 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Ebonyi State, has issued a strongly worded statement demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
He also named Farouk Ibrahim, Kennedy Ahanotu, John Abure, and others as alleged accomplices.
According to Comrade Eze, these individuals are responsible for the vandalization of the Labour Party National Secretariat, as well as acts of forgery, perjury, and criminal conspiracy.
He described their actions as symptomatic of a wider culture of impunity in Nigeria, where “some people claim to be above the law of the land.”
Claims of Signature Forgery and Illegal Substitution
Eze detailed how, in 2022, Abure and his associates allegedly conspired to forge his signature, fabricate a withdrawal letter, and produce falsified membership documents and affidavits.
These were then submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to illegally substitute his candidacy with that of Edward Nkwegu Okereke, whom he accused of being “an APC mole.”
He explained that this substitution was challenged in court, beginning at the Federal High Court in Abakaliki, moving to the Appeal Court in Enugu, and finally reaching the Supreme Court in Abuja.
At each stage, Splendour said he prevailed, ultimately reclaiming his mandate as the authentic Labour Party candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Ebonyi State.
Police Investigation and Prosecution Orders
Eze further revealed that he petitioned the matter to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), FCID Area 10 Abuja, leading to a full investigation.
He claimed that the suspects were indicted, and that both the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) jointly authorized their prosecution.
Despite this, he alleged that Julius Abure and his associates continue to operate with impunity, boasting that their wealth and influence protect them from accountability.
He pointed to the recent vandalization of the Labour Party’s National Secretariat as evidence of their disregard for the rule of law.
Call to Action
In his statement, Splendour declared: “Enough is enough!
“I call on the Attorney General of the Federation to bring Julius Abure and other criminal elements to court to face their criminal prosecution which bothers on forgery, perjury and criminal conspiracy without further delay.”
Broader Implications for Labour Party
This demand intensifies the ongoing turbulence within the Labour Party, which has been plagued by factional disputes, leadership struggles, and allegations of corruption.
Analysts warn that such controversies could erode public trust in the party, weaken its organizational strength, and undermine its ability to build on electoral gains.
The crisis also raises broader questions about Nigeria’s political culture, particularly the perception that wealth and influence can shield individuals from justice.
For many observers, Splendour’s statement reflects growing frustration with systemic impunity and the urgent need for reforms to restore confidence in democratic institutions.
