CNPP Urges Labour Party Chairman to Resign Amid Leadership Crisis

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has criticized the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), calling for the resignation of its national chairman, Barr Julius Abure, amidst an ongoing leadership crisis within the party. In a statement released on Sunday by James Ezema, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria expressed concerns over the mismanagement of the crisis by LP’s leadership.

CNPP commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for resisting pressure to endorse the outcome of the recent contentious fractional national convention of the Labour Party. The statement highlighted the importance of internal democracy within political parties and praised INEC for upholding democratic principles.

The statement emphasized the need for Barrister Julius Abure to resign, asserting that it would be an act of heroism amid the crisis. CNPP emphasized the importance of inclusive representation, rule of law, and protection of individuals’ rights and liberties within political parties in Nigeria’s liberal democracy.

Referring to a judgment of the Federal High Court, CNPP clarified the status of the Labour Party as an institutional political party founded and registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on behalf of Nigerian workers. The faction led by Julius Abure was criticized for holding a purported national convention that did not meet the requirements outlined in the court order.

CNPP highlighted the failure of the Abure faction to involve critical stakeholders, including the NLC, in consultations ahead of the convention. This move was described as a miscalculation, considering the historical ties between the NLC and the Labour Party.

In conclusion, CNPP stated that the leadership crisis within the Labour Party was needless and avoidable, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, justice, and accountability in upholding democratic values within political parties.