Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, alongside Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has officially informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the formation of a 29-member caretaker committee. This committee has been tasked with organizing the party’s congresses and national convention within 180 days.
In a letter dated September 6, 2024, and addressed to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Obi and Otti highlighted the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party. They emphasized that the leadership vacuum arose following the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC in June 2024.
The letter stated, “Labour Party has faced leadership challenges, resulting in a leadership void. In light of this, stakeholders convened in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 4, 2024, and established a caretaker committee to organize the necessary congresses and national convention.”
Background of the Crisis
The leadership tussle in the Labour Party escalated when the Abure-led NWC failed to adhere to the agreement to hold ward, local government, and state congresses before the national convention. This non-compliance created a leadership void and triggered the intervention of the party’s statutory executives, including governors, legislators, and representatives from organized labour.
Caretaker Committee Formation
The caretaker committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman as Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary, includes members representing various stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former governorship candidates like Ken Pela (Delta) and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos).
Key Committee Members:
- NLC: Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, Comrade Chris Uyot
- Senate Representatives: Senators Victor Umeh, Neda Imasuen, Ireti Kingibe
- House of Representatives: Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Hon. Sunday Umeha
- State Assembly: Hon. Edosa Richard, Hon. Harrison Oghara, Hon. Augustine Okezie
- TUC Representatives: Mohammed Misau, Austin Jonah, Sansa Omalara
This committee is expected to restore stability within the Labour Party by facilitating a transparent and inclusive national convention and addressing the leadership vacuum left by the previous administration.
