The Labour Party’s troubles has taken a new twist as its Board of Trustees (BoT), led by veteran trade unionist, Sylvester Ejiofor, announced it had taken over LP’s leadership and the tenure of controversial National Chairman, Julius Abure, had ended.
Amidst protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other adversaries, Abure was elected for a second term at the party’s National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday.
The convention also returned all members of the National Working Committee (NWC).
However, a statement in Abuja by the party’s BoT Chairman, announced the body had taken over the running of the party.
Ejiofor said that Abure’s tenure had expired and condemned the controversial re-election for a second term.
The statement read: “Following the expiration of the tenure in office of the immediate past National Working Committee of the LP headed by Mr. Julius Abure, the BoT, in line with the party’s constitution, has stepped in to steer the affairs of the LP. This step is to avoid any leadership vacuum in the LP.
“Furthermore, the BoT of the LP, in consultation with major stakeholders in the party, will soon communicate the processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the LP.
“This is in line with the March 20, 2018 Federal High Court consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress as the owners of the LP and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the LP be held.
“The decision of the BoT is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former national chairman of the LP, Mr. Julius Abure, and the NLC and the Trade Union Congress on June 27, 2022, which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“Unlike the charade that took place today in Nnewi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and ultimately at the national level.
“This process will not leave any genuine member of LP out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents, and the general public.
“We commend the leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and key
stakeholders in the Labour Party for declining to deodorize the
malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.
“The BOT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace.”
