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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Amidst growing tensions within the Labour Party, two factions have summoned separate meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling, which many observers believe has emboldened opposing camps to assert control over the party’s structures ahead of upcoming political realignments.
Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman of the party, convened a NEC meeting scheduled to be held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was announced in a statement by Obiora Ifoh, the party’s national publicity secretary.
“PRESS INVITATION: The National Executive Committee meeting of the Labour Party will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the National Party Secretariat,” the invitation read.
In a separate move, Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, the party’s only sitting governor of Abia State, called for a separate NEC meeting and a stakeholders’ summit scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 9, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Obi-Otti meeting, tagged a Town Hall Engagement, is expected to bring together key stakeholders within the party, including the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, serving and former senators, House of Representatives members, and other candidates who contested under the party’s banner in the last general election.
“The two leading figures of the Labour Party, the 2023 presidential flag bearer Peter Obi and the sole state governor of the party, Alex Otti of Abia State, have summoned the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
“In a notice signed by the two men, the NEC meeting shall be followed concurrently by an interactive Town Hall Engagement with major stakeholders and other organs of the party at Transcorp Hilton Hotel,” the invitation read in part.
Both factions of the LP claimed victory following the Supreme Court ruling. Labour Party National Caretaker Committee Secretary, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, who was present at the Supreme Court in Abuja during the judgment, expressed immense gratitude to the Justices for their fair and forthright decision, describing it as a beacon of hope for the country’s democracy.
“This ruling is a monumental victory for the Labour Party and, more importantly, for the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” said the Secretary. “It demonstrates that the Judiciary remains the last hope for the common man, ensuring that justice and the rule of law prevail in the face of challenges.”
He also emphasized that the judgment is a clear indication that despite the struggles Nigeria faces, the nation’s democracy is resilient, and the judicial system remains a pillar of strength. It is also seen as a crucial step towards unifying the party and fostering an environment conducive to political reform and nation-building.
“This historic ruling is not only a victory for the Labour Party, but also for the Nigerian people and our democracy. It affirms that the rule of law will always be upheld,” the statement continued. “We now have an opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen our party, which remains the political party of choice for millions of Nigerians.”
On his part, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, insisted the Supreme Court judgment did not remove Julius Abure as national chairman.
“The Supreme Court didn’t sack Barrister Julius Abure; rather, it rightly upheld the preceding and accumulated high court and appeal court judgments upholding the immutability of the Labour Party structures’ responsibility to choose its leaders.
“The judgment did not also set aside the Appeal Court judgment in Labour Party vs. Ebiseni and 2 others (CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024), delivered on 13 November 2024, which affirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The judgment is still valid and subsisting and has not been appealed.
“The implication is very clear. Barrister Julius Abure remains Labour Party national chairman.
The question is: who are the leaders of the party? The party constitution is clear as to who are the leaders of the party. The leadership of the party has been the National Working Committee led by Barrister Julius Abure.
“The party constitution is also clear on who has the power to call for the national convention or any national meeting.”
He explained further, “Article 14 of the 2024 constitution, as amended, gives powers to the National Secretary of the party to issue notices of meetings of the national convention, national executive council, and the national working committee in consultation with and approval of the National Chairman.”