Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Labour Party has raised a significant outcry following an alarming incident involving its National Chairman, Julius Abure, who was reportedly physically assaulted by a woman known as Precious Oruche, more commonly referred to as Mama P.
This unsettling event took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on a Friday, and it has sent shockwaves through the party’s leadership, prompting them to accuse “anti-democratic elements” of orchestrating the attack against Abure.
According to a detailed statement released by the Labour Party’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, on Saturday, Abure was quietly standing in line, preparing to board a Max Air flight to Benin when Mama P unexpectedly launched an aggressive confrontation against him. The situation escalated quickly, as Ifoh reported that the woman did not cease her aggressive behavior even after boarding the flight. She reportedly ignored multiple pleas from flight attendants who attempted to de-escalate the situation and continued her tirade throughout the flight. The confrontation persisted even after the plane landed in Benin, indicating a troubling disregard for the safety and comfort of fellow passengers.
“The attacker, Madam P, who is also a known content creator, continued her aggressive behavior throughout the entire duration of the flight, defying all attempts by the Max Air flight attendants to calm her down,” Ifoh stated. “The assault, which drew the attention of numerous onlookers, continued as they disembarked at the Benin Airport, where she was seen recording the entire scene on her phone.” This behavior not only raised concerns about the safety of Abure but also highlighted the potential for public disorder in such a setting.
It was reported that the situation became so volatile that security operatives at the airport had to intervene to ensure Abure’s safety, escorting him away from the scene while the woman was subsequently handed over to the police for her actions. However, what shocked the Labour Party even more was a video that Mama P later released, in which she allegedly boasted about her connections and influence.
“In one of her videos, the lady claimed that she has contacts within the highest echelons of the police force, boasting that nothing would happen to her as a result of her actions,” the statement from the Labour Party continued. “She even vowed that she would not cease her attacks on Abure or any member of the Labour Party executive, asserting that, in her view, ‘you have killed Labour Party and you are the reason why Obi is no longer in the Labour Party.’” This declaration not only reflects her apparent defiance but also raises serious questions about the motivations behind her actions and the potential backing she may have.
The leadership of the Labour Party did not conceal its outrage over the incident, labeling it as “a suicidal aggression” against Abure and firmly asserting that it was politically motivated. “We sincerely believe that the lady-agent was on an assignment to fulfill the desires of her paymasters,” Ifoh stated emphatically. “Assault and cyber-bullying are serious crimes under our laws, and we believe that the police must investigate and identify her sponsors and accomplices, bringing them to justice.” This call for accountability underscores the party’s commitment to addressing not only the immediate incident but also the broader implications of political violence and intimidation.
In light of these events, the Labour Party has urged its members to refrain from retaliatory actions and to maintain a sense of calm while awaiting the results of the police investigation. “We are calling on members of the Labour Party to remain composed, even in the face of this unwarranted provocation, and to wait for the outcome of the investigation into this unprovoked attack against the leadership of the party,” the statement concluded. This appeal for restraint reflects the party’s desire to navigate the situation thoughtfully and avoid escalating tensions further.
Since gaining significant prominence during the 2023 elections, largely propelled by Peter Obi’s campaign and the Obidient movement, Julius Abure has faced a myriad of challenges to his leadership within the Labour Party. The political landscape has been fraught with difficulties, including various court rulings that have both affirmed his position and raised questions about the legality of his continued tenure. Notably, a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 cast doubt on the legitimacy of his leadership, adding another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
Moreover, the Labour Party has been grappling with internal strife, as multiple factions have emerged, each claiming leadership and authority. This has led to significant tension surrounding the interpretation of the party’s constitution, the timing of conventions, and the role of caretaker committees. The ongoing disputes have not only created divisions within the party but have also complicated its ability to present a united front in the face of external challenges.
As the Labour Party navigates this turbulent period, the incident involving Julius Abure serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and intimidation in the political arena. The party’s response, emphasizing the need for calm and investigation, will be crucial in determining how it moves forward in the wake of this unsettling event. The coming days will likely reveal more about the motivations behind the attack and the broader implications for the Labour Party as it seeks to maintain its integrity and leadership amidst ongoing challenges.
