The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced its support for the 29-member caretaker committee established by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other party stakeholders. This endorsement comes amidst a deepening leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP).
The Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, revealed this in an interview with Sunday PUNCH on Friday. He emphasized the NLC’s commitment to the new committee, describing it as a critical step toward resolving the party’s ongoing internal conflicts.
Ndubuaku stated, “The NLC fully backs the efforts made to end the crisis in the Labour Party and reposition it to fulfill the vision of its founding fathers.”
The crisis in the Labour Party escalated when the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, Secretary Umar Farouk, and National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu were notably absent from a major stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, last Wednesday. The meeting, convened by Governor Otti, aimed to address the leadership disputes within the party.
Despite this initiative, the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) rejected the formation of the caretaker committee headed by Nenadi Usman, calling it “null and void.”
According to the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, Otti had no authority to organize such a crucial meeting, treating it as an extension of state affairs rather than a national party issue.
In response to these claims, Ndubuaku dismissed the allegations that Obi and Otti failed to consult the NLC before establishing the committee. He insisted that all stakeholders, including the NLC, were involved in the decision-making process.
Ndubuaku explained, “Peter Obi consulted virtually every stakeholder before setting up the committee. The choice of Nenadi Usman is particularly fitting, given her track record and capacity. She is someone who will perform her duties without favoritism.”
He further assured that the NLC’s political commission would continue to contribute to the party’s progress, particularly in mobilizing workers for the Labour Party. He expressed confidence that the new caretaker committee would work harmoniously with the National Transition Committee, which also includes various party stakeholders.
“The NLC is actively involved at all levels—ward, state, and national. We will continue to play a key role, especially when the Nenadi Usman-led committee starts conducting primaries,” Ndubuaku added.
Regarding the future of Julius Abure and his supporters, Ndubuaku suggested that they are welcome to contest for their positions again in future party elections.
Attempts to get comments from Abure’s camp were unsuccessful. However, a member of the NWC, speaking anonymously, indicated that they would not be intimidated by the actions of Obi and Otti.
“Obi and Otti lack the power to set up a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party. It is not in line with our party’s constitution, and whatever they say or do is not binding on us,” the source stated.