Labour Party BoT Takes Charge Amidst Rejection of Abure’s Leadership

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Labour Party (LP) has officially taken control of the party’s operations after the previous National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure completed its term, as stated in a release signed by BoT Chairman, Comrade S.O.Z. Ejiofor, on Wednesday evening. The BoT strongly criticized the clandestine national convention that took place in Nnewi, Anambra State, on the same day, denouncing it as a farce.

The statement emphasized that, in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution, the BoT has assumed responsibility for managing the party’s affairs following the conclusion of the tenure of the previous NWC under Mr. Julius Abure. Additionally, the BoT, in collaboration with key stakeholders within the party, intends to outline the procedures for organizing a comprehensive and inclusive national convention for the Labour Party.

This decision aligns with the consent judgment issued by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 20, 2018, in the Federal High Court, which acknowledged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the rightful owner of the Labour Party and mandated the organization of an all-encompassing National Convention. Furthermore, the BoT’s actions are consistent with the agreement reached between former Labour Party National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on June 27, 2022, mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Labour Party acknowledges and commends its members, including workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates, for their dedication and loyalty to the party’s principles. The Board of Trustees pledges to initiate the necessary procedures promptly to organize an all-encompassing and extensive National Convention.

Unlike the questionable proceedings that occurred in Nnewi, the forthcoming National Convention will adhere to the principles of popular democracy. It will commence with grassroots congresses at the ward, local government, state, and ultimately national levels.

This inclusive process will ensure that every genuine member of the Labour Party is involved and will be conducted transparently in the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents, and the general public. We commend Mr. Peter Obi, the leader of the Labour Party, and other key stakeholders for refusing to endorse the misconduct that transpired in Nnewi.

The Board of Trustees assures all stakeholders of its commitment to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the driving force behind the socio-political liberation of our beloved country, its working people, and the populace.

In a controversial national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, Abure was re-elected as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. Alongside eight others, Abure was declared re-elected into the 22-member National Working Committee (NWC) of the LP by the Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, at the Grand Seasons Hotel in Nnewi.

The LP delegates who attended the convention issued a communique, declaring Peter Obi as the party’s preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, despite the upcoming 2023 general election. Additionally, the controversial convention endorsed Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, as the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate.

Nevertheless, Obi and Otti were noticeably absent from the LP national convention, contrasting with the strong presence of Abia Deputy Governor Emetu and other members of the State Executive Council and National and State Assemblies from Abia State.

In stark contrast, Anambra State’s representatives elected under the LP platform were notably absent, with the exception of George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, representing Peter Obi’s constituency.

The controversial re-election of Abure as National Chairman occurred amidst protests from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had previously urged him to cancel the convention.

The NLC criticized Abure for allegedly managing the Labour Party single-handedly and organizing the convention without consulting relevant stakeholders, leading to protests and calls for his removal.

Following Abure’s re-election, the NLC denounced the process as illegal and condemned the lack of transparency in the convention, with the factional chairman of the party in Anambra State, Peter Okoye, dismissing the legitimacy of the Nnewi national convention.