Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, who was arrested along with other party members in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released.
Abure and the Edo state chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Kelly Ogbaloi, were arrested by a combined team of police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.
The arrest followed a petition by the LP Youth Leader, Comrade Eragbe Anselm Aphimia, who is reportedly loyal to the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa.
The youth leader lodged a complaint with the CP, alleging an attack by certain party members in December 2023.
Abure was arrested forcefully just 48 hours before the party’s primary election preceding the September 21 gubernatorial polls in the state.
However, it was gathered that Abure was released on Wednesday night on bail.
Speaking to supporters on Thursday morning, Abure said, “let me thank all of you for your solidarity and support. We have been facing several battles since the last election ended.”
“Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the primaries and the police swamped on us, arrested us, over what I will not discuss now because investigation is still going on.
“I must, however, state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail.”
Kanyi Daily recalls that a Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State had removed Julius Abure from his role and named Lamido Apapa as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
