NLC Cuts Ties with Labour Party Amidst Deepening Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has distanced itself from the state congresses of the Labour Party (LP) as the party’s internal crisis continues to deepen. The move is a significant step as the NLC, a major supporter of the Labour Party, seeks to avoid being embroiled in the ongoing disputes within the party.

In a recent press statement, the NLC expressed its discontent with the leadership of the Labour Party, particularly targeting the National Chairman, Julius Abure. The NLC accused Abure of financial misconduct and running the party without proper accountability. They claimed that Abure’s actions were detrimental to the party’s integrity and called for his immediate resignation.

The conflict reached a tipping point when NLC members stormed the Labour Party secretariat in Abuja. They accused Abure of operating the party like a personal enterprise and undermining democratic processes within the party. This led the NLC to pass a vote of no confidence in Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC).

Following this, the NLC announced the formation of a transition committee to oversee the Labour Party’s affairs. This committee is tasked with organizing an all-inclusive national convention to elect new leadership. The NLC has also urged its state councils and political committees to mobilize workers to picket Labour Party offices nationwide in protest of the current leadership.

In a statement, the NLC outlined its reasons for dissociating from the LP state congresses and highlighted its plans to reform the party. The NLC stated, “Given the intransigence of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, the financial mismanagement, and contempt for the leadership of the NLC, we have decided to mobilize workers to picket all state secretariats of the Labour Party. This is scheduled for March 20, 2024.”

The NLC also emphasized the need for an inclusive national convention and called on its members to support the transition committee in revalidating the party’s membership and organizing the convention. They plan to ensure a thorough audit of the party’s finances and hold accountable those involved in any fraudulent activities.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, has dismissed the NLC’s actions, labeling the stakeholders’ meeting as a “jamboree by drama boys.” He asserted that the NLC has no authority over the Labour Party and called on party members to disregard the meeting and its outcomes.

The ongoing crisis comes at a critical time for the Labour Party, which is preparing for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. The turmoil within the party’s leadership could potentially impact its performance and unity as it heads into the election season.