Tight security was deployed on Tuesday at the national secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja as Senator Nenadi Usman assumed control of the party’s headquarters, following weeks of leadership tussle.
The development was confirmed by Usman through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, during a telephone interview.
A visit to the party’s secretariat in Utako by our correspondent revealed a strong police presence, with armed officers stationed within and around the premises.
Banners and billboards bearing the images of the former national chairman, Julius Abure, and members of his executive were removed and replaced with those featuring Usman.
Party members, supporters and journalists were subjected to strict security checks, with access granted only after proper identification.
Sources within the party disclosed that the interim leadership had also instructed members to commence arrangements to take over Labour Party state secretariats nationwide.
Speaking on the takeover, Usman described the move as overdue, insisting it was carried out in line with a court judgment.
She said the police were formally invited to provide security cover, adding that the action was undertaken in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“The police presence is at our instance. They are there to carry out their lawful duties in line with the court’s decision.
We notified them this morning to provide cover,” she said.
Usman dismissed fears of a possible clash with the Abure-led faction, insisting there was no basis for confrontation.
According to her, Abure had vacated the office following the court ruling and no longer had grounds to lay claim to the secretariat.
“There is no room anymore for factional claims. The court has spoken clearly, and we are officially taking over the party today. There will be no violence,” she added.
Shortly after the interview, the interim leadership issued a press invitation to journalists to witness the formal takeover of the secretariat and the presentation of a progress report on membership revalidation.
However, reacting to the development, the factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the Abure-led group would respond officially.
He described the police action as strange, noting that the faction had appealed the judgment, but acknowledged that the officers claimed to be acting on a court order.
The crisis follows a ruling last month by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which held that Abure’s tenure had expired and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise a caretaker committee led by Usman pending a national convention.
INEC subsequently recognised Usman as acting national chairman, replacing Abure’s name with hers on its website about two weeks ago.