The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has invalidated the reelection of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, along with his National Working Committee, during a national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State. This development follows a vote of no confidence by the NLC against the convention’s outcomes and the leadership that emerged from it, highlighting significant internal disagreements within the party.
The NLC’s Political Commission Stakeholders meeting in Abuja culminated in a communiqué outlining the congress’s resolutions. This document, undersigned by prominent figures including Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, and Mr. Abdulwahed Omar, former President of the NLC, signifies a pivotal shift in the Labour Party’s direction.
Key resolutions include the establishment of a Transition Committee, led by the NLC Political Commission, tasked with overseeing the party’s affairs on an interim basis. This committee is expected to spearhead the party towards conducting an all-encompassing national convention. One of its immediate responsibilities is to assume control of the party’s secretariats nationwide and to initiate an asset recovery process to reclaim all Labour Party properties.
Moreover, the Transition Committee is charged with the forensic audit of fraud cases, impersonation, and forgery involving former Labour Party officers. The aim is to ensure that those found culpable face diligent prosecution, a move strongly advocated by Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, to restore the party’s integrity.
Within a three-month window, the Transition Committee is expected to organize an inclusive national convention, beginning with ward congresses and progressing through local government and state congresses. This process aims to culminate in a significant gathering in Abuja, setting the stage for a revitalized and more inclusive Labour Party.
Furthermore, the stakeholders’ meeting set ambitious membership targets, aiming to mobilize a total membership strength of 10 million through a rigorous campaign of revalidating current members and registering new ones.
The communiqué also noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security organizations have been informed of these developments, emphasizing that these bodies should recognize the Transition Committee as the interim leadership of the Labour Party.
This restructuring reflects the NLC’s commitment to ensuring the Labour Party remains a platform for all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, regional, social, and economic backgrounds, thus strengthening its role as a key player in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
