Labour Party warns legal crisis could trigger mass defections ahead of elections

Labour Party Deputy National Chairman Favour Reuben warns that persistent legal disputes are driving mass defections of elected officials, jeopardizing the party's electoral viability. Speaking with DAILY POST, Reuben stated the ongoing crisis—intensified by last week's Court of Appeal judgement favoring Esther Nenadi Usman—has weakened internal cohesion and already cost the party numerous House of Representatives members, Senators, and State Assembly representatives.

He stressed that failure to resolve the conflict before INEC's electoral deadlines could prevent the party from conducting primaries or fielding candidates, calling this outcome 'suicidal' for Labour Party's future. While expressing optimism that differences can be settled through dialogue—as seen after previous reconciliations with the Abure faction—Reuben warned members will abandon the party if it remains unable to prepare for elections, noting politicians will migrate to alternatives when a party cannot deliver electoral opportunities.

The internal struggle between Abure's faction and supporters of Nenadi Usman threatens to sideline Labour Party from upcoming contests as electoral timelines approach. Will party leaders prioritize reconciliation to preserve electoral competitiveness, or risk further defections that could diminish the party's influence in Nigerian politics?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/27/lp-chieftain-reuben-warns-of-mass-defection-over-persistent-crisis/