The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its refusal to recognize Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party following his re-election. Abure secured his position during the party’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, where all members of the National Working Committee were also reinstated. Notably, slots for representatives from both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress remained vacant.
Responding to the convention’s outcome, NLC spokesman Benson Upah expressed strong opposition, asserting that the congress would not support the Labour Party under Abure’s leadership. Describing the convention as a sham, Upah emphasized that Abure’s re-election holds no legitimacy in the eyes of the NLC, branding it as an act of blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.
When questioned about the NLC’s future course of action, the head of NLC’s information department cryptically replied, “You, wait and see.”
The convention itself was marked by controversy, with reports of at least five individuals being apprehended for attempting to disrupt proceedings by distributing inflammatory leaflets critical of the party’s leadership. These individuals were subsequently handed over to the police for interrogation.
In a joint communiqué signed by Abure and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk, the party announced the endorsement of Peter Obi as the presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, alongside a vote of confidence in Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who was recommended as the gubernatorial candidate for the same year.
Furthermore, the Labour Party called upon President Bola Tinubu to address the escalating insecurity in Kaduna and other northern states. Additionally, the party advocated for the restructuring and decentralization of the policing system to incorporate regional, state, and local law enforcement agencies, citing the need to effectively combat the nation’s security challenges.
