INEC Rejects Labour Party Request to Dissolve State, LGA, Ward Executives

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined a request by the Labour Party’s new leadership to dissolve the party’s executives at state, local government and ward levels across Nigeria.

The request was submitted by the party’s National Executive Committee led by Nenadi Usman, which asked the commission to approve the dissolution of existing structures and allow the creation of an interim working committee.

In a response signed by the commission’s secretary, Bose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC said it could not accept the proposal because the party failed to comply with statutory requirements for the meeting where the decision was taken.

According to the commission, the Labour Party did not provide the required notice before the National Executive Council meeting that approved the dissolution plan. INEC also stated that the council does not have the authority under the party’s constitution to take such action.

“The commission regrets to inform you that the dissolution of State, Local Government and Ward Executives of your Party in all the 36 states and the FCT by the National Executive Council without giving the statutory notice of the meeting to the Commission and without the authority to act in your Party Constitution cannot be acceded to,” the letter stated.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing internal disputes within the Labour Party.

Usman’s leadership took control of the party in January after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that her executive should be recognised as the legitimate leadership. The court held that the tenure of the previous national chairperson, Julius Abure, had expired.

Despite the court ruling, the new leadership has been attempting to overturn the outcome of the party congress held in December, which produced executives at the state, local government and ward levels. INEC’s decision means those structures remain in place for now.