There was drama on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as popular activist and supporter of the Obidient Movement, Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama P, physically confronted the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure.
The confrontation reportedly started while both individuals were waiting to board a Max Air flight to Benin City, Edo State, and continued throughout the duration of the flight.
The incident was made public on Saturday through a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh.
According to Ifoh, Mama P physically assaulted Abure at the Abuja airport and maintained her aggressive behaviour during the flight, despite efforts by the airline crew to calm her down.
“The attacker, Mama P, who is also a known content creator, continued the attack all through the flight, defying all attempts by the Max Air attendants to calm her,” Ifoh said.
He added that the activist resumed her attack immediately after landing in Benin, drawing the attention of other passengers and airport staff. She was reportedly recording the entire incident on her phone while shouting at the LP chairman.
“The assault, which attracted a large crowd, continued on disembarkation at the Benin Airport while she kept recording the scene,” the party’s statement added.
As of the time of this report, neither Mama P nor the police have issued a public statement regarding the incident. However, the Labour Party has condemned the act and called it a deliberate attempt to embarrass its leadership.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in internal crisis over its leadership, with Julius Abure leading a faction of the party. The Obidient Movement, which grew around Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has often expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership, accusing them of undermining the vision of the movement.
Mama P is a known voice in the Obidient Movement on social media, often using her platforms to criticize political leaders, including figures within the Labour Party.
The latest incident adds a new layer to the ongoing tension within the party ahead of the 2024 Edo governorship election, where internal divisions could affect LP’s chances.
