The Labour Party (LP) has removed its National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure, along with members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, hosted by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the party’s only sitting governor.
To fill the leadership gap, the party has set up a 29-member caretaker committee, chaired by former Finance Minister, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, with Hon. Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary. The new committee will oversee the party’s affairs for the next three months, during which time congresses will be conducted at all levels to elect new leaders.
The move was supported by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who emphasized the importance of following due process in resolving internal crises. Obi noted that Abure’s tenure had expired in June, rendering his continued leadership illegitimate. He called for unity within the party and urged members to support the caretaker committee.
In the communique released after the meeting, Hon. Edward Pwajok stated that the composition of the committee reflected the various interests in the party, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other representatives. The committee’s primary task will be to organize party congresses and ensure the emergence of new leadership at all levels.
Obi, speaking at the meeting, reiterated his position on the party’s internal issues and rejected the idea of excluding members. He called for all party members to participate freely in future processes, encouraging sacrifice for the greater good of the party.
Senator Usman acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in restoring the party’s credibility, but expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to unify the party and attract new members. She noted that the ongoing crisis had been deterring potential members from joining the LP, and pledged to restore order.
The stakeholders’ meeting marked a critical step in the party’s efforts to resolve its internal leadership disputes and refocus on its goals ahead of future elections.