LP Convention to Go Ahead Amid Abure-NLC Rift

The Labour Party’s national convention, slated to take place in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, is set to proceed despite the ongoing rift between the incumbent National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under Comrade Joe Ajaero’s leadership.

Confirming the party’s determination to push forward with the convention, Acting National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, assured Vanguard in a recent telephone interview that all arrangements were underway to ensure a seamless event.

Ifoh dismissed rumors of a missing delegates’ list, stating, “Arrangements for a successful convention are in top gear.” He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) possesses the delegates’ list, reiterating the commission’s role in supervising the exercise.

“We are expecting seven delegates from each state, including elected members from various levels of government, LP Commissioners, NWC members, and others,” Ifoh added, indicating an estimated 300 card-carrying members set to participate in the convention.

Regarding the dispute with LP caucus leader in the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, Ifoh affirmed, “Labour Party is one united family.”

The rift between Abure’s NWC and the NLC has escalated, with the latter calling for Abure’s removal and the establishment of a caretaker committee to oversee party affairs ahead of an inclusive national convention. The NLC has directed its members to picket LP offices nationwide in support of their demands.