NLC, LPPMC set to address LP challenges

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and a group within the Labour Party (LP), the Labour Party Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), have reached an agreement to address the challenges within the LP.

The two organizations in a communique signed by the National Coordinator of LPPMC, Dr. Kingsley Okundaye and Acting Chairman, Political Commission of NLC, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaka, after a virtual meeting aimed at finding solutions to the issues that have plagued the LP for the past four years and attended by key representatives, jointly opposed what they described as unauthorized convention by Comrade Julius Abure, maintaining that it is counterproductive to the integrity and stability of the party.

While expressing a vote of no confidence in Abure, the two organizations called for his immediate resignation to spare the party further embarrassment and restore integrity to its leadership.

The organizations enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to endorse any activities related to the March 27 convention by Abure, urging all relevant stakeholders, including legislative members and party supporters, to stand in solidarity with the NLC and LPPMC against the divisive actions of Abure.

The NLC and LPPMC then called for the immediate set up of a Caretaker Committee towards ensuring impartiality and transparency in future party proceedings, noting that there is the need to encourage a collaborative effort to expand party membership across all wards.

The communique read in part, “We recognize the urgent need for all concerned parties to unite and establish a viable alliance to address the pressing issues facing the Labour Party. This partnership will focus on implementing effective measures to mitigate the challenges the party has faced under the leadership of Abure.

“We have jointly opposed the unauthorized Convention scheduled for March 27, 2023, by Abure and his associates. Such actions are deemed detrimental and counterproductive to the party’s integrity and stability.

“Emphasizing the democratic nature of the party, we call for the suspension of Abure’s unilateral Convention and advocate for broader consultation with stakeholders and members. This inclusive approach will pave the way for a unified front in future party activities.

“We express a vote of no confidence in Mr. Julius Abure and urge for his immediate resignation to spare the party further embarrassment and restore integrity to its leadership.

“We call upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from endorsing any activities related to the March 27 event orchestrated by Abure. Additionally, we urge all relevant stakeholders, including legislative members and party supporters, to stand in solidarity with the NLC and LPPMC against Abure’s divisive actions.

“We reaffirm NLC’s custodianship of the Labour Party, citing the 2018 ruling by Justice Gabriel Kolawale. The erosion of the party’s founding principles under Abure’s leadership necessitates immediate action to restore its core values.

“We propose that a Caretaker Committee (CTC), be immediately set up to ensure impartiality and transparency in future party proceedings. Furthermore, we encourage a collaborative effort to expand party membership across all wards.

“In conclusion, we are committed to implementing the agreed-upon measures and will continue to engage in daily efforts to realize our objectives. Together, we strive for progress and unity within the Labour Party.”