Despite opposition from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Julius Abure has secured his re-election as the National Chairman of the Labour Party for a second term through unanimous affirmation by delegates.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu, during the party's national convention held on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Abure has been embroiled in a longstanding dispute with the NLC leadership, led by Joe Ajaero. The NLC had previously called for Abure's resignation as party chairman and urged the immediate constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party.
On March 20, workers who were denied access to the party office gathered around the premises, chanting songs and demanding the removal of Abure, whom they accused of financial impropriety.
The leadership of rival factions within the party both criticized the NLC's involvement, although they disagreed over the party's leadership. According to the LP, the party's leadership is not accountable to Congress.
Former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, also weighed in on the crisis, asserting that the LP is answerable to Congress. He emphasized that the Labour Party was formed by the NLC to provide a platform for workers, pensioners, and farmers to exercise their rights, as enshrined in the Constitution.
"The essence of forming the party is to ensure that workers, pensioners, and farmers have a platform to exercise their rights," Wabba stated. "The party was formed by the NLC and registered by the NLC."
