The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Nnewi Convention, which resulted in new party leadership, countering objections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and other stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, following a meeting held in Abuja, the NWC emphasized that the convention was conducted within the confines of the law, adhering to the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the Labour Party’s own constitution. The NWC stated that calls for a fresh convention by Governor Otti, INEC, and others are baseless and intended to undermine the party’s integrity.
Abure clarified that the Labour Party’s national convention was held on March 27, 2024, at Nnewi, Anambra State, and was attended by high-ranking officials from Abia State, including the Deputy Governor and members of the Labour Party’s State Assembly. He asserted that the convention was properly notified to INEC, fulfilling all legal requirements under the Electoral Act, and therefore, its validity should not be questioned.
The NWC emphasized that the leadership and convention issues are internal matters, validated by a Federal High Court in Abuja on June 16, 2024, which upheld the convention and dismissed any claims of leadership vacuum. The party has also established a Standing Disciplinary Committee to address any infractions by members who do not respect the party’s rules and constitution.
Abure criticized any attempts to challenge the leadership as mischievous and a deliberate effort to destabilize the Labour Party. He reiterated that the party’s leadership would take disciplinary actions against members undermining its constitution and integrity.
The NWC underscored that the Labour Party is a people’s party, representing the interests of the downtrodden and those seeking genuine change in Nigeria. The committee urged members to respect party leadership and adhere to its guiding principles.
