The Labour Party, LP, has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, cautioning against any attempts to remove the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC. The LP emphasized that the NLC does not possess the authority to take such action.

In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP denounced the stakeholders’ meeting organized by the NLC as an unlawful gathering consisting of a few disgruntled former members and individuals who are not recognized as card-carrying members of the party.

The LP accused the NLC’s Political Commission of being a facade for Comrade Joe Ajaero, aimed at advancing his political aspirations for 2027. The group, allegedly instructed by Ajaero, is purportedly seeking to sow discord within the Labour Party by positioning itself as a platform for dissenting members who recently lost a legal battle for leadership.

The statement from the LP highlighted the group’s lack of authority to convene a meeting of stakeholders or make decisions that would impact the party’s legitimate leadership. It also raised concerns about the NLC’s alleged collaboration with the ruling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to undermine the opposition.

Furthermore, the LP criticized the NLC for failing to address the challenges faced by Nigerian workers under the current economic conditions. The party urged Ajaero to prioritize his responsibilities as NLC President and focus on advocating for workers’ rights instead of pursuing political ambitions.

The LP reaffirmed its support for the Abure-led NWC, citing the party’s achievements in the 2023 general elections and its contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape. The party called on genuine members to unite in rebuilding the party and expressed readiness to seek legal recourse if necessary.

The statement concluded by urging supporters to remain calm, assuring them that justice will prevail. The LP’s response follows the NLC Political Commission’s resolution at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where they nullified the national convention that re-elected Abure and his NWC members. The NLC also announced plans to establish a transition committee to oversee the party’s affairs until new officers are elected within three months.

Additionally, the NLC raised concerns about the need for a forensic audit of the LP’s bank accounts in response to allegations of corruption, forgery, and fraud against the party leadership, as demanded by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.