The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has escalated, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) formally petitioning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke its recognition of the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee.
NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed in Abuja that the Congress is preparing to reclaim control of Labour Party secretariats across the country, which are currently held by Abure loyalists. Details of the planned takeover, he said, will be finalized during the NLC’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
This development comes amid further turmoil in the party, including the resignation of Oseloka Obaze, a key figure in the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi and a prominent Labour Party member in Anambra State.
Ajaero maintained that the NLC does not recognize the 2023 convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, which reaffirmed Abure’s leadership. He insists that Abure’s tenure as national chairman has expired and that an earlier agreement—reportedly acknowledged by INEC—requires him and other NWC members to step down.
“The Labour Party belongs to the trade union movement. No individual can claim ownership,” Ajaero said, warning against those he described as “charlatans” trying to hijack the party. He added that the party’s official certificate remains with the NLC, underscoring their authority over the institution.
He stressed that the takeover of party offices will be carried out strategically, with workers already placed on alert. “We are working on it. Once the NEC meets, we’ll decide our next steps,” he said.