The Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Friday, November 28, reaffirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman, endorsing the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the March 27, 2024 convention in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The NEC meeting, held at the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, was attended by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Datti.
During the session, the council also filled vacant NWC positions and approved plans for ward, local government, and state congresses nationwide, while retaining the option to convene a special convention if necessary.
Abure cited the April 4 Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed that political parties are empowered to regulate their internal affairs.
“Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members.
“Political parties and their members should therefore have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution,” he said.
He added, “Consequent upon the above, NEC in session reaffirmed those elected as National officers of the Party at the National Convention held in 2024 in Anambra State on the 27th of March 2024.”
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Prominent NWC members reaffirmed included Abure (National Chairman); Clement Ojukwu, Esther Gulmu, and Ayo Olorunfemi (Deputy National Chairmen); Umar Farouk Ibrahim (National Secretary); Rotimi Kehinde Adekunle (Deputy National Secretary); and Obiora Ifoh (National Publicity Secretary).
Addressing the meeting, Datti emphasised the party’s focus on unity and preparation for the 2027 elections.
“Peter Obi is still a member of LP. He is with us and our number is growing. We have gone through rough times and we are here now,” he said.
He also linked Nigeria’s security challenges to economic hardships, stating, “As a party, we are committed to securing Nigeria. We must ensure living wages for all workers as a birthright.
“There is a correlation between insecurity and poor wages and poor return on business and economic activities.”
The NEC resolution consolidates Abure’s leadership amid ongoing factional disputes, with the Usman-led interim committee continuing to contest authority.
INEC officials, led by Rakiya Dattijo, observed the proceedings but declined to comment publicly.