The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has taken to the streets, rallying against the Labour Party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for the end of the month at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Led by NLC leadership, the protesters demanded the removal of the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, accusing him of orchestrating a clandestine convention without consulting key stakeholders.
The brewing conflict has pitted Abure against not only the NLC but also the House of Representatives caucus, with workers accusing him of plotting to dismantle the Labour Party. Despite their fervent protests, police personnel barred the demonstrators from accessing the party secretariat, heightening tensions on both sides.
The NLC’s agitation stems from allegations of financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency surrounding the planned convention. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has been accused of colluding with Abure to hold the convention in Umuahia, Abia State, on March 27, without adequate consultation with the NLC and other stakeholders.
In response to these allegations, the NLC Political Commission issued an open letter, denouncing Abure’s leadership and calling for nationwide protests at state party secretariats. The letter condemned what it described as the chairman’s unilateral actions and financial impropriety, demanding his immediate resignation and the establishment of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate convention.
However, the Labour Party’s leadership has refuted these claims, alleging that the NLC’s directive is driven by personal ambitions, particularly those of a faction led by Ajaero, aiming to seize control of the party’s leadership. As tensions escalate, the fate of the Labour Party hangs in the balance, with stakeholders grappling for control and legitimacy amidst allegations of secrecy and malpractice.
Details to follow as the situation develops.