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By Myke Agunwa
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) on Friday reaffirmed the legitimacy of the party’s 2024 Nnewi National Convention and approved the commencement of ward, local government and state congresses across the country.
The NEC meeting, held in Abuja, brought together members of the National and State Working Committees from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as key party stakeholders.
Among those in attendance was the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Baba-Ahmed. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Rakiya Dattijo of the Election and Party Monitoring Department, observed the proceedings.
In a communiqué signed by National Chairman, Julius Abure, and National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party emphasised that the Nnewi Convention was valid and consistent with Supreme Court pronouncements affirming that political parties have full autonomy over their internal affairs.
Quoting the apex court, the communique continued,
NEC recalled that political parties, as corporate entities governed by their constitutions, have exclusive powers to manage their internal disputes. It cited the case of Abegunde vs. Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors. (2025) LPELR-24588 (SC), which reinforced the principle that party members are bound by the decisions and rules of their organisations and that internal party matters remain non-justiciable.
“Political parties and their members should therefore have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution,” the communiqué noted, adding that those elected at the 2024 Nnewi Convention remain the party’s authentic leadership.
The NEC consequently reaffirmed the 17-member National Working Committee (NWC) elected on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State. The recognised officers include National Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk; Deputy National Chairmen: Chief Clement Ojukwu, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi and Dr. Esther Gulmu, alongside National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh.
The NEC also authorised the National Chairman and National Secretary to convene a Special Convention if required in the future.
Several vacant leadership positions were filled during the meeting. Those appointed include Oluwafemi Abayomi Arabambi as National Vice Chairman (South West); Prince Favour Reuben as Assistant National Organising Secretary; and Barr. Enu Kikanwa as Assistant National Women Leader (South South).
The party’s highest decision-making body further ratified plans to conduct congresses at the ward, local government and state levels across the federation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal structures.
The party said the decisions were aimed at consolidating unity, ensuring compliance with its constitution and preparing adequately for upcoming political engagements