The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria is facing a significant internal crisis, primarily revolving around the leadership of Julius Abure. Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission and a key figure in the LP’s formation, argues that Abure’s leadership is illegitimate. He points to a pre-existing consent judgment, signed by Abure himself, which outlines the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC)’s permanent roles in the party’s decision-making process, including appointments to the Board of Trustees. This, Ndubuaku insists, supersedes any subsequent court rulings affirming Abure’s position. He further asserts that the NLC still holds the original LP registration certificate, solidifying their claim of ownership and control over the party. Ndubuaku views Abure’s actions as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the party, potentially at the behest of external forces seeking to undermine the LP’s growing influence.
The NLC’s persistent involvement in LP affairs stems from their role as the party’s founders. Ndubuaku emphasizes the constitutional provision granting permanent membership status to NLC and TUC leaders within the LP’s National Executive Committee (NEC). This, he explains, guarantees their participation in key decisions, irrespective of other internal dynamics. He rejects the argument that the NLC’s role ended with the party’s registration, highlighting the unique nature of the LP as a party founded by organized labor, with workers as its core constituency. This inherent connection, he argues, necessitates the NLC’s continued involvement to protect the party’s mandate and ensure it remains true to its founding principles. The NLC also accuses Abure of being backed by powerful forces, potentially within the ruling party, citing the police’s failure to prosecute him despite indictments and allegations of forgery.
The crisis has further deepened with the rejection of Abure’s leadership by key figures like Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Otti’s establishment of a caretaker committee, according to Ndubuaku, signals a clear rejection of Abure’s authority. Similarly, Obi’s alignment with the caretaker committee demonstrates his lack of confidence in Abure’s leadership. Ndubuaku argues that Abure’s continued claim to leadership is untenable, given the widespread opposition from within the party, including the NLC, TUC, the Obidient Movement (a grassroots support base), and elected officials. He questions Abure’s integrity and suggests that his actions are self-serving, harming the party’s overall prospects.
Ndubuaku dismisses concerns that the ongoing disputes will jeopardize the LP’s participation in future elections, emphasizing the party’s resilient history and the unwavering support of its labor base. He cites past electoral successes, including the governorship of Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo State and Adams Oshiomhole’s initial election on the LP platform, as evidence of the party’s enduring strength. Ndubuaku emphasizes that the LP’s true power lies in its connection to the Nigerian workforce. He believes that with the NLC and TUC’s backing, any LP candidate can secure significant votes. He highlights the potential of organized labor to mobilize voters and influence electoral outcomes, particularly if the electoral process becomes more transparent and accountable. Ndubuaku sees the upcoming period as crucial for strengthening the movement to ensure that votes genuinely count, thereby safeguarding democracy and improving governance.
The NLC’s strong stance against Abure appears rooted in their perception of him as untrustworthy and possibly compromised. Ndubuaku questions Abure’s integrity and emphasizes the stark contrast between him and other LP leaders like Obi, Otti, and NLC President Joe Ajaero, who are seen as champions of transparency and accountability. He portrays Abure as a liability, suggesting that any association with him could tarnish the party’s image and undermine its credibility. Ndubuaku insists that reconciliation with Abure is impossible, given the severity of the allegations against him and the NLC’s conviction that he poses a threat to the party’s future. He reiterates the NLC’s ownership of the LP and their determination to protect it from external manipulation.
The ongoing power struggle within the Labour Party underscores the challenges faced by relatively young parties in navigating internal conflicts and external pressures. The NLC’s unwavering stance against Abure, coupled with the support of key figures like Obi and Otti, suggests a deep-seated distrust and a fundamental disagreement over the party’s direction. The outcome of this conflict will likely shape the LP’s future trajectory and its ability to capitalize on the momentum gained during the 2023 elections. The allegations against Abure, including potential ties to powerful political actors, raise questions about the integrity of the party’s internal processes and the influence of external forces. The NLC’s emphasis on its founding role and its commitment to the working class signals its determination to maintain control over the party and ensure it remains true to its original mandate. The ongoing struggle highlights the significant role of organized labor in Nigerian politics and its potential to influence electoral outcomes, particularly in a context where electoral reforms and greater accountability are becoming increasingly important.
