The ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the leadership of the Labour Party escalated on Wednesday as NLC members staged a protest at the LP secretariat opposing the party’s planned national convention scheduled for the end of the month.
The NLC demanded the removal of the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, citing alleged corrupt practices. Accusations were levelled against Abure for orchestrating a “secret convention” without consulting major stakeholders.
In response to this, the Nigeria Labour Congress instructed its state councils and political commission to conduct picketing activities at Labour Party secretariats nationwide.
This directive was issued in a letter dated Tuesday, March 19, signed by Titus Amba, Chairperson of the NLC Political Commission, and Chris Uyot, Secretary.
The decision to picket arose from a virtual meeting between the NLC National Political Commission and leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress State Councils and State Political Committees on March 19, 2024. The letter emphasized the need to address the National Chairman’s resistance to inclusive decision-making, financial impropriety, and disrespect towards NLC leadership.
Previously, the National Working Committee of the Labour Party accused Joe Ajaero, Nigeria Labour Congress President, of attempting to oust Julius Abure as the Labour Party National Chairman. This accusation was made following an open letter from the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, alleging misconduct by Abure and the NWC.
The letter criticized plans for a national convention in Umuahia, Abia State, on March 27, expressing concerns about transparency and legality. The Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission called for Abure’s resignation and the formation of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate convention.
In response, the Labour Party leadership accused the Nigeria Labour Congress of acting in self-interest, alleging Ajaero’s aspirations for the party’s chairmanship.
