NLC writes INEC, plans surprise takeover of LP party secretaries

DDM News

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting the withdrawal of recognition for the Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) report that the NLC’s request adds fuel to the growing tensions within the Labour Party, which has seen a long-standing battle for control between union leadership and the current party leadership.

Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, made the disclosure in Abuja, revealing the Congress’s intention to launch a surprise takeover of Labour Party secretariats across various states.

These secretariats are currently under the control of Abure loyalists.

Ahead of the NLC’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Ajaero emphasized that the takeover plan would be finalized and executed soon.

He stressed that the Labour Party is an institutional party owned by the trade unions, and the Congress aims to reclaim it.

“We have written to INEC, and on the day of our NEC meeting, every other thing will be decided there,” Ajaero stated, indicating that the decision would be made soon.

The dispute marks a significant escalation in the tension between the NLC and the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party.

The NLC maintains that Abure’s tenure has expired, leading to the deepening rift.

Tensions further heightened after the controversial convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, which the NLC refused to acknowledge.

The Congress argued that Abure’s continued leadership was in violation of an agreement made earlier between the party’s stakeholders and the unions.

For Ajaero, the idea of anyone attempting to claim ownership of the Labour Party without involving the trade unions is absurd.

He emphasized that the party is deeply rooted in the trade union movement and cannot be reduced to an empty shell.

The NLC has not disclosed a specific date for the planned takeover of state party secretariats.

However, Ajaero hinted that surprise would be key to their strategy, stating that every worker had been asked to be on standby for the action.

He further cautioned that any attempt to claim sole ownership of the Labour Party without workers’ involvement would be nothing short of “plagiarism.”

According to Ajaero, the certificate of the Labour Party is securely held by the NLC.

The NLC has made it clear that it will continue to push for leadership reforms within the Labour Party, warning that the trade union movement will not permit the party to be overtaken by what they described as “charlatans.”

The situation is ongoing, and developments are expected soon.

The NLC’s move is seen as a significant moment in the struggle for control of the party and its direction moving forward.

This move comes at a time when various factions within the Labour Party are vying for influence, and the outcome of this battle will significantly impact the future of the party.

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