The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has criticized Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, along with Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other party leaders, for establishing a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s leadership.
The Abure camp’s reaction came following the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Abure as the party’s National Chairman, citing the expiration of his tenure in June 2024.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh on Wednesday, the Abure faction accused Obi, Otti, and others of aligning with INEC to undermine the party’s leadership.
The group expressed frustration, particularly given INEC’s controversial handling of the 2023 general election, which it claims harmed the Labour Party.
Ifoh questioned why those who suffered from INEC’s alleged mishandling of the 2023 elections are now backing the commission in its stance against Abure.
The statement emphasized the irony of siding with an organization that had previously been criticized for undermining democratic processes.
“INEC played a significant role in dashing the electoral will of the people in 2023. It amazes us that those who suffered from INEC’s ineptitude are now joining forces with the commission against the party’s leadership,” Ifoh said.
The Abure camp also defended the legitimacy of the party’s national convention held in Nnewi on March 26, 2024.
According to Ifoh, the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice J.K Omotosho, had declared the convention valid and compliant with the 2022 Electoral Act and Labour Party Constitution.
He further stated that there is no vacancy in the party’s leadership until 2028 when another convention will be held.
A meeting convened by Governor Alex Otti, which was attended by Peter Obi, senators, and House of Representatives members recently formed a 29-member caretaker committee for the LP.
At the meeting, former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman was appointed as chairperson.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, former Senate Minority Deputy Leader, was named Secretary of the committee, which is expected to organize new party leadership elections within 90 days.
