Arrests Made at Labour Party Convention Amid Leadership Crisis

During the ongoing national convention of the Labour Party at the Grand Seasons Hotel in Nnewi, Anambra State, five individuals described as “hoodlums” were apprehended for allegedly distributing inciting leaflets critical of the party leadership.

The arrested individuals were reportedly attempting to cause unrest at the convention venue, prompting authorities to take them into custody and subsequently transfer them to the police headquarters for further questioning.

In a related development, journalists seeking access to the convention venue were denied entry, despite efforts to obtain access tags from the party’s spokesperson, Obiorah Ifoh. The decision to bar journalists from the event was seen as a precautionary measure to prevent potential disruptions.

Sources within the party suggested that the detained individuals, along with their backers, had malicious intentions to disrupt the convention and exacerbate the existing leadership crisis within the Labour Party. Party leaders are said to be carefully managing information to avoid escalating political tensions.

Meanwhile, the absence of Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the February 2023 general elections, was noted. As of the time of reporting, Obi had not arrived at the convention venue.