The Labour Party has dissolved the Esther Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, citing what it described as “incalculable damage” to the party, in a move that signals a fresh escalation in its internal leadership crisis.
The decision was announced in a press release issued on Tuesday following a virtual meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), attended by elected state chairmen and secretaries, alongside other key stakeholders.
According to the statement signed by the NEC Forum Secretary, Alhaji Abdulrahim Imam Chindo, the council unanimously resolved to disband the caretaker committee after reviewing its activities, which it deemed illegitimate and harmful to the party’s stability.
The NEC also reaffirmed its confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Julius Abure, describing his leadership as duly elected and previously endorsed at the party’s national convention and subsequent NEC meetings monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission.
As part of its resolutions, the council mandated Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, to continue pursuing an appeal at the Court of Appeal to overturn a Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 21, 2026.
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In a forward-looking directive, the NEC also instructed the party leadership to initiate the process for the 2027 general elections by issuing the required notices to INEC for the conduct of party primaries, in line with the electoral timetable, once the pending legal issues are resolved.
The council further nullified all prior communications sent to INEC by the dissolved caretaker committee, reinforcing its position that such actions lacked legitimacy.
The development highlights ongoing tensions within the Labour Party, as competing factions continue to contest control and legitimacy ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Political observers say the latest move could have significant implications for the party’s unity and preparedness as Nigeria gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 general elections.