Supremacy Battle Intensifies as NLC Pickets Labour Party Headquarters, Calls for Chairman’s Resignation

The ongoing power struggle between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party (LP) escalated yesterday as NLC members staged a protest, picketing the headquarters and secretariats of the party across the nation. The NLC demanded the resignation of the Labour Party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, amid allegations of administrative irregularities.

In response to the NLC’s actions, the Labour Party swiftly condemned the forcible entry of NLC members into its premises, labeling it as illegal and criminal.

Dr. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Deputy President of NLC’s Political Commission, reiterated the grievances of workers against Abure’s leadership during the occupation of the Labour Party headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of the party serving as a viable opposition and criticized the alleged unilateral convocation of a national convention without consulting relevant stakeholders.

Ndubuaku highlighted court judgments affirming the NLC’s ownership of the Labour Party and called for Abure’s resignation to ensure democratic norms are upheld. Similarly, Comrade Bello Ismail, the acting General Secretary of NLC, expressed disappointment with Abure’s alleged deviation from agreed-upon processes, advocating for an all-inclusive convention to safeguard the interests of stakeholders.

Chris Uyot, Secretary of the NLC Political Commission, accused Abure of attempting to hold a convention without consulting key stakeholders, emphasizing the democratic principles upheld by Nigerian workers. Uyot asserted that the convention should involve active participation from all stakeholders across the federation.

In response to the NLC’s actions, the Comrade Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party condemned the unauthorized entry into its headquarters, denouncing the destruction of party property. The party criticized the NLC’s actions as a criminal disregard for due process and accused NLC President Joe Ajaero of exhibiting desperation and greed.

Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, refuted Ajaero’s claims of NLC’s ownership of the party, citing electoral and constitutional provisions. Ifoh emphasized that the Labour Party is owned by its members, challenging Ajaero’s authority to dictate the party’s affairs.