LP crisis deepens as Obi-Otti, Abure camps trade tackles

From Sola Ojo and Idu Jude, Abuja The two leading figures in the Labour Party (LP), the 2023 presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi and the only state governor under the party, Alex Otti of Abia State, have summoned the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja tomorrow.In a notice signed by the two chieftains, the NEC meeting would be followed by an interactive town hall engagement with major stakeholders and other organs of the party at a venue in Abuja. googletag.

cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); The stakeholders listed to attend the meeting include the vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election, serving and former senators and senatorial candidates of the LP in the 2023 election, serving and former members of the House of Representatives and LP candidates in 2023 election, all members of the National Caretaker Committee, all former governorship candidates, who are still in the party, representatives of the NLC/TUC political commission and all members of the former LP National Working Committee.



The meeting is sequel to the Supreme Court’s ruling last week, terminating the Julius Abure-led NWC.Meanwhile, the factional national chairman of the party, Abure, has declared that there is no vacuum in the party’s leadership, contrary to claims by other factions that have the backing of Obi and Otti..

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push({})}); Abure, who made this assertion while speaking to his loyalists during a NEC meeting at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja, reiterated that the party’s leadership remained intact and legitimate.He cited a recent Supreme Court’s judgment that affirmed the party’s autonomy in managing its internal affairs, where he is in charge.He explained that the court ruling did not sack the NWC under his chairmanship, but rather reinforced the party’s constitutional structures.

He also dismissed claims by some senators who have attempted to misrepresent the court ruling and manufacture confusion through a purported caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman.Abure described the committee as unconstitutional and illegitimate, stating that it was formed without proper authority or consultation. “It is regrettable that certain actors, most notably, Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, have chosen to misrepresent the ruling, deliberately misleading the public and attempting to manufacture confusion through a purported caretaker committee.

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push({})}); “Let it be stated categorically that this so-called committee is both unconstitutional and illegitimate. Those who convened the meeting in Umuahia lacked the legal authority to do so. Neither of them holds the office of the national chairman nor the national secretary as required by our party’s constitution.

“The Labour Party held a valid national convention in 2019, whose tenure was constitutionally due to end in June 2023. In response to the extraordinary demands of the 2023 general elections, our NEC meeting in Asaba in April of that year authorised a one-year extension, pushing the end of tenure to June 9, 2024. In line with this resolution and the constitution of our party, a fresh national convention was duly convened and held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State.

“Every procedure relating to that convention was properly executed, and multiple court rulings have validated the legitimacy of the convention.“Every proper procedure was followed in the convening of the March 2024 convention, and the actions taken were both constitutional and widely endorsed.“Let it be known across the federation and beyond that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party.

The National Working Committee, under my chairmanship, remains the recognised and legitimate leadership body of our party. “We shall not cede ground to illegitimate actors or unconstitutional contraptions posing as transition committees.” $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); The Abure-led leadership rose from its NEC meeting and announced the sack Victor Adam Ogene of his leadership role in the House of Representatives Caucus and named Ben Etanabene as his replacement.

The 10-point resolution condemned alleged anti-party activities of Governor Otti and Peter Obi.The communique signed by Abure read: ”Labour Party expresses satisfaction with the Supreme Court decision which has returned the power, glory and supremacy of political parties to the parties.“The court asserted the supremacy of the party over its internal affairs and that leadership of a political party is not for any court to decide as it is a no go area for the court and so the court did not sack the NWC leadership.

Meanwhile, the Political Commission’s Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Prof. Theo Ndubuaku Asuri, has said the Abure’s claims that there was no vacancy in the leadership position despite a court ruling that his term had expired was a direct affront to the law of the land with consequences.“Let him continue to say there is no vacuum in the leadership position of a party that belongs to Nigerians.

The court has ruled that Abure’s term has expired and he should step down. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); “He is seen as someone who would rather destroy the party than hand it over to its rightful owners. The law is clear that when a tenure expires, the individual should step down.

Abure’s actions are now seen as being against the law of the land.“Let me tell you that this same Abure recently instituted a court case against the NLC and the caretaker committee in the High Court sitting in Zuba, Abuja.“Two weeks ago, he agreed to step down and settle the matter out of court.

As we speak, the court is expecting the feedback by June 28 this year.“So, his stance is seen as a challenge to the law and the party’s constitution. His refusal to acknowledge the court ruling and step down has raised questions about his leadership and commitment to the party’s principles.

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