The leadership of the Labour Party (LP), under Julius Abure, has rebuffed attempts by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to remove them, citing historical precedent and constitutional limitations. Obiorah Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, asserted that those seeking to oust Abure’s leadership are ignoring the lessons of the past.
Ifoh pointed out a similar endeavor in 2015 by the Ayuba Wabba-led NLC, which failed after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected their bid to seize control of the Labour Party. He emphasized that the current move by Joe Ajaero’s faction of the NLC would meet a similar fate.
Highlighting the lack of legal standing for the NLC’s intervention, Ifoh reiterated that the Labour Party’s constitution does not grant the NLC the authority to establish a caretaker committee or interfere with the party’s leadership. He criticized the NLC’s actions as counterproductive and urged them to focus on collaboration rather than confrontation.
The LP’s stance underscores their commitment to upholding internal party processes and resisting external interference. By asserting the party’s autonomy and adherence to constitutional principles, the LP leadership aims to maintain stability and unity within the party, despite external pressures.