By Elizabeth Godwin
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the withdrawal of recognition from the Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party.
In a dramatic escalation of the internal crisis plaguing the party, NLC President Joe Ajaero also announced plans for a coordinated, surprise takeover of Labour Party secretariats across the country.
Speaking in Abuja, Ajaero asserted that the Labour Party is fundamentally an institution of the Nigerian trade union movement, insisting that its current leadership lacks legitimate authority. “We have written to INEC, and on the day of our NEC meeting, every other thing will be decided there,” he said. “We are going to do that because that’s the way it is. Labour Party is an institutional party, owned by the trade unions.”
The move signals a further breakdown in relations between the NLC and the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), whose tenure the union claims has expired. The situation deteriorated further following a disputed national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State—an event the NLC refused to recognise, citing breaches of agreements between party stakeholders and the labour movement.
“For anybody to come and claim ownership of the Labour Party without the trade unions is laughable,” Ajaero stated. “Labour Party is all about the trade union movement. It’s not an empty shell.”
Although the NLC has yet to announce an exact date for the planned secretariat takeovers, Ajaero emphasized the importance of strategic surprise. “We are working on it. That’s why we didn’t announce a date. But we’ve asked every worker to be on standby,” he said.
Ajaero further declared that any claim to the party by individuals or groups outside the labour movement amounted to “plagiarism,” adding: “The certificate of the Labour Party is in this office.”
The NLC says it remains committed to reclaiming the party and restoring it to what it calls its founding vision—one anchored in the interests of Nigerian workers and trade unions. “We will not allow charlatans to hijack the Labour Party,” Ajaero warned.
The unfolding power struggle adds to the turbulence surrounding the Labour Party, which gained unprecedented national traction during the 2023 general elections under the candidacy of Peter Obi. However, unresolved questions over party leadership and internal democracy continue to cast a shadow over its future.
INEC has yet to respond publicly to the NLC’s petition. Political observers now watch closely to see whether the electoral commission will intervene—and how the Abure-led leadership will respond to the growing pressure from the country’s most powerful labour union.
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