The Labour Party’s efforts to reposition under the leadership of Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti have received conditional support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission. The NLC’s Acting Chairman, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, praised the formation of an interim administration but called for broader consultations regarding appointments. The move marks a critical step in addressing internal party challenges and ensuring unity.
The Labour Party’s initiative to restructure its leadership under the guidance of Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti has been met with conditional support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission and its National Transition Committee (NTC). This endorsement came after the formation of a 29-member interim administration during a meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State.
The newly constituted interim body, which includes former Finance Minister Nanedi Usman as the interim leader, aims to rejuvenate the Labour Party and address internal governance challenges.
In a statement responding to the development, Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, and the NTC committee led by Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, hailed the move as a step in the right direction. Prof. Ndubuaku described the meeting as a significant milestone for the party, adding that the political commission had long called for leadership changes, specifically stating that Julius Abure’s tenure as the Labour Party’s national chairman ended on June 9, 2024.
“Yesterday in Umuahia, elected and status leaders of our Labour Party, from Peter Obi to Dr. Alex Otti and other stakeholders, publicly recognized what we have been advocating for since April—that Abure’s tenure has ended. This is a collective victory for the party,” said Ndubuaku.
While supporting the initiative, the NLC Political Commission expressed concerns over the lack of consultation in appointing the interim committee’s chairman and secretary. Ndubuaku emphasized that the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as critical stakeholders, should have been involved in the process to ensure a more inclusive leadership structure.
Ndubuaku further expressed optimism that Peter Obi and Alex Otti would consider the NLC’s input in finalizing the appointment of the remaining members of the committee. He also suggested that expanding the caretaker committee beyond its current 29 members would foster unity and ensure that all key stakeholders felt represented.
Addressing the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Umuahia meeting, Ndubuaku clarified that only the chairman and secretary of the interim committee were officially announced, with the remaining appointments to be made following consultations. The INEC’s recognition is required to finalize and legitimize the resolutions.
As the party navigates through this transition, discussions are underway to establish the Labour Party National Transition Committee (NTC) as a permanent organ within the NLC. This body would serve as a platform for conflict resolution, policy development, and internal party management moving forward.
With these developments, the Labour Party looks poised for what many hope will be a new era of cohesion and growth.
Keywords: Labour Party, Peter Obi, Alex Otti, NLC, Political Commission, interim administration, Julius Abure, INEC, leadership transition, Nanedi Usman