The Labour Party has raised alarm following an alleged physical attack on its National Chairman, Julius Abure, by a woman identified as Precious Oruche, also known as Mama P, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident took place on Friday, prompting the party to accuse “anti-democratic forces” of orchestrating the assault.
READ ALSO: Abure dismisses claims INEC has withdrawn his recognition as Labour Party leader
According to a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, on Saturday, Abure was waiting to board a Max Air flight to Benin when Mama P unexpectedly confronted him.
Ifoh noted that the altercation continued onboard the flight, despite efforts by Max Air crew to intervene, and persisted after the plane landed in Benin.
“The attacker, Madam P, who is also a known content creator, continued the attack all throughout the duration of the flight, defying all attempts by the Max Air flight attendants to calm her. The assault, which attracted a large number of onlookers, continued on disembarkation at the Benin Airport while she kept recording the scene,” he said.
Security personnel at Benin Airport intervened, escorting Abure to safety while handing the woman over to the police.
The party expressed shock over a video later released by the woman, in which she allegedly bragged about her connections.
“In one of her films released, the lady claimed that she has contacts with the highest police hierarchy, boasted that nothing will happen to her, and vowed that she will not stop attacking Abure or any member of the Labour Party executive because, according to her, ‘you have killed Labour Party and you are the reason why Obi is no longer in the Labour Party,’” the statement read.
The Labour Party described the incident as a politically motivated “act of aggression” against Abure and demanded a thorough investigation.
“We sincerely believe that the lady-agent was on an assignment to accomplish the desires of her paymasters. Assault and cyber-bullying are severe crimes under our laws, and we think that the Police must fish out her sponsors and cohorts, and bring them to book,” Ifoh said.
The party urged its supporters to remain peaceful and await the results of the police investigation.
“We are calling on members of the Labour Party to be calm, even in the face of this unwarranted provocation, and wait for the outcome of the investigation into the unprovoked attack against the leadership of the party,” the statement added.
Abure’s leadership has faced significant challenges since the 2023 elections, fueled by Peter Obi’s campaign and the Obidient movement. Despite court rulings, including one from the Court of Appeal affirming his position, a Supreme Court decision in April 2025 raised concerns about the legitimacy of his tenure. Ongoing disputes over the party’s constitution, convention timing, and caretaker committee roles have further fueled internal conflicts.