As party reaffirms Abure’s leadership
Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja
The Julius Abure led-National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate allegations of anti-party activities against Abia State Governor, Alex Otti and other party members.
This development emerged from a crucial NEC meeting held on Friday, 2nd May 2025, at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where several far-reaching resolutions were adopted to consolidate the party’s unity and prepare for future electoral contests.
The meeting, attended by key party stalwarts, began with a strong reaffirmation of confidence in the current National Working Committee (NWC) led by Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman. The NEC resolution stated emphatically: “The Council reiterates its unshaken support for the NWC elected at our 2024 National Convention and believes in their demonstrated competence and capacity to lead the party to greater heights.”
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing disciplinary matters, culminating in the establishment of a five-member disciplinary committee with a two-week mandate to investigate Governor Otti and others. The committee, comprising seasoned party members, is chaired by Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, with Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim serving as Secretary. Other members include Barr. Kehinde Edun, Mrs. Dudu Manuga, and Barr. Callistus Ihejiagwa.
The NEC took pains to validate all processes leading to and including the 2024 National Convention held in Nnewi on 27th March 2024.
The council confirmed that: “All notices to INEC regarding the convention were properly issued, including the initial notice of 4th December 2023 and subsequent notifications about date and venue changes.”
Furthermore, the body ratified the list of ad-hoc delegates elected from congresses across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, originally approved at the Asaba NEC meeting of 20th March 2024.
In a robust defense of the party’s internal democracy, the NEC resolution emphasized: “The 2024 National Convention fully complied with all relevant laws including the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, our 2019 Party Constitution, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.”
The council went further to commend Nigeria’s Supreme Court for its recent judgment of 4th April 2025 which affirmed the principle of political party supremacy in internal affairs.
Looking ahead to future elections, the NEC made a strategic declaration that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape: “The Labour Party will not participate in any coalition arrangements for the 2027 general elections.” Instead, the party resolved to focus on “rebuilding, repositioning, and strengthening our structures through reconciliation and membership drives to secure electoral victory on our own terms.”
The meeting also addressed the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election, formally endorsing Chief George Moghalu as the party’s candidate following his victory in the primaries conducted on 5th April 2025.
The NEC passed a resolution urging “all party members and Ndi Anambra to rally behind Chief Moghalu for the 8th November 2025 election to ensure the realization of a greater Anambra State.”
Despite the tough stance on discipline, the NEC extended an olive branch to aggrieved members, expressing commitment to “continue pursuing peace and reconciliation within our ranks.” The resolution called on all factions to “sheath their swords in the overall interest of the party and our dear nation,” while reiterating the party’s fundamental belief in Nigeria’s democracy as the surest path to national development.
The resolutions were jointly signed by Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as National Secretary, putting to rest any doubts about the legitimacy of the current leadership. Political analysts view these developments as crucial for the Labour Party’s stability as it positions itself as a formidable opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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