Labour Party Leader Vindicated as Attorney General Recommends Prosecution of Former Chairman

Strategic Insights -

Labour Party caucus leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Ogene, has expressed vindication over the recent recommendation by the Attorney General of the Federation for the prosecution of former LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, over alleged crimes including criminal conspiracy, perjury, and forgery. The recommendation, made by the Attorney General's office on March 7, 2025, follows a petition by the party's governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Splendour Oko Eze, who accused Abure and others of criminally substituting his name at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The investigation, which spans over three years, has revealed that the suspects forged Oko Eze's signature and party registration card to support a purported affidavit claiming his withdrawal from the race.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Attorney General's office recommended the prosecution of former LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, and three others for alleged crimes including criminal conspiracy, perjury, and forgery.
  • The recommendation was made on March 7, 2025, following a petition by the party's governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Splendour Oko Eze.
  • The investigation, which began over three years ago, found that the suspects forged Oko Eze's signature and party registration card to support a purported affidavit claiming his withdrawal from the race.
  • A forensic analysis indicated that the forged signatures on the purported letter of withdrawal and membership card did not match Oko Eze's verified signature.
  • The suspects had the most significant motive to commit the act, and it is reasonable to infer that the forged documents were obtained by them.
  • The Attorney General's directive conveyed in the letter requested that the suspects be prosecuted and periodic reports be provided to the office by the Police.
  • Honourable Ogene has consistently questioned Abure's moral authority to lead the party, particularly following the recent Supreme Court pronouncement and numerous allegations of malfeasance against him.
  • Ogene has urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice, to serve as a deterrent to other political leaders with similar intentions that undermine democracy.

Statistics:

  • The investigation report was authored by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Junaid Bukar, on March 9, 2023.
  • The suspects have refused to report for investigation, with four letters written to them to exercise their right to fair hearing.
  • The report highlights an affront to constituted authority and blatant disregard for law and order.
  • Over three years have passed since the investigation began, and the Police still appear to be dragging their feet in carrying out their constitutional responsibility.
  • The Attorney General's office has requested periodic reports from the Police on the prosecution of the case.

Sources:

  • A letter from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation to the Inspector General of Police, dated March 7, 2025, and signed by M.B. Abubakar.
  • An investigation report authored by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Junaid Bukar, dated March 9, 2023.
  • A petition by Splendour Oko Eze to the party's leadership, accusing Julius Abure and others of criminally substituting his name at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).