As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has launched an ambitious drive to expand its membership to over 20 million.
The initiative aims to strengthen the party’s presence nationwide and boost its political influence.
The LP has rolled out an online membership registration and revalidation exercise to attract new members across the country. Additionally, the party has announced a timetable for its congresses, starting at the ward and state levels, which will run concurrently with the membership revalidation process.
This was revealed in a communiqué issued following the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, a signatory to the communiqué, confirmed the approval of the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration. A new Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs was also established.
The communiqué read in part: “NEC approved the need to expand the membership of the party, and all members are required to revalidate their membership. New members can register online via [link].
“The first phase of this exercise will commence immediately and end on January 31, 2025. This online registration will update the Ward register ahead of the congresses.
“Ward Congresses will be held between February and March 2025. Members interested in contesting for positions at the ward level should begin preparations now.”
The communiqué also provided details of the positions up for contest at each level of the party’s structure:
At the ward level, 17 offices will be contested, including Chairman, two Vice Chairmen (one male and one female), Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, and five ex-officio members.
At the state level, 29 offices will be contested, including Chairman, six Deputy Chairmen, Secretary, two Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, three Assistant Women Leaders, Youth Leader, three Assistant Youth Leaders, and five ex-officio members.
The communiqué also stated that states meeting the basic requirements for congresses, particularly on membership registration, will be issued mandatory notifications to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of congresses within the stipulated timeframe.
In addition, NEC approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, which has already achieved significant success in less than six months since its formation. The directorate will now focus on broadening the party’s membership base.
The newly established Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs will be led by Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, with Ms. Aju Elumelu appointed as Secretary. This directorate will manage the party’s membership abroad and develop ways for diasporans to actively participate in party congresses, including the Ward Congresses.
NEC also directed the immediate inauguration of various committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, the Political Education Committee, and the State Elders Council.
Addressing the creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, LP National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, emphasized the party’s commitment to pursuing electoral reforms in Nigeria. He stated, “Labour Party was a major victim in the 2023 general election, and we are determined to pursue comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure that future elections are credible, fair, and transparent.”
The committee will be chaired by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, with Hon. Okey Joe as Co-Chair and Dudu Manuga serving as Secretary. The committee is expected to submit its report within eight weeks.
Regarding the Political Education Committee, Abure said, “We must reorient our people and empower them to become active participants in the political process. We recognize that the leadership in Nigeria is a reflection of the people, and we aim to prepare our members for meaningful engagement in the country’s governance.”
Rt. Hon. Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, will chair the Political Education Committee, with Mr. Bulus Maisamari as Secretary. Other members will be announced in due course.
In conclusion, Abure reaffirmed the party’s determination to reposition itself as the largest political brand in Nigeria, preparing for future political engagements. He stressed, “Nigeria has remained in the doldrums for too long, and we are determined to rescue the nation.”