The conflict within the Labour Party (LP) leadership escalated yesterday as the National Transition Committee (LPNTC) asserted that the national chairman, Julius Abure, must step down.
The labor representatives, who arrived at the venue of the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, emphasized that the term of Abure and other NWC members would conclude by the end of the month.
The gathering was called by LP’s presidential candidate in the previous year’s election, Peter Obi.
As the labor representatives tried to access the venue, law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse them.
Chairman of the Transition Committee, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, stated, “It is a matter of either finding our path forward or forging our path forward.”
Omar, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), explained, “The present issue is that the tenures of Abure and the National Working Committee had lapsed by the end of this month, and it is imperative to avoid a leadership vacuum.
“We have endeavored to address this amicably. If we can resolve this matter peacefully, that would be ideal. However, based on today’s events, it is evident that we must either find a way forward or create one. I can assure you of this.”
He further stated, “We will not tolerate any breaches of law, but if anyone chooses to act unlawfully due to their ability to manipulate and undermine our efforts, I want to affirm that we are equally capable of surpassing any actions. We are more than capable.”
Omar noted that the committee has been tasked by stakeholders to coordinate a fresh and all-encompassing national convention.
Obi, who addressed the labor representatives outside the party headquarters, mentioned that he had arranged the meeting to reconcile disgruntled party members.
He encouraged party officials to resolve conflicts among party members and supporters.
Obi assured that any internal discord within the party would be resolved promptly.
He emphasized that party leaders must convene and determine the party’s future.
Obi welcomed the reconciliation between the party and its estranged former leaders, headed by ex-Deputy National Chairman (South), Lamidi Apapa.
He said, “Their reconciliation is beneficial for our party, and I guarantee that all members will reconcile with one another.
“During our meeting, I informed them that my primary task was reconciliation, followed by reconciliation and then, reconciliation.
“I can confirm that what you witnessed earlier is a common occurrence in our lives. I practice the same routine daily, even within our families. We reconcile after disputes with our spouses and children. Today, during the meeting, I highlighted the importance of reconciliation, as I always do in my household.”
Obi continued, “Therefore, these individuals here are part of our family, with whom we must reconcile. We will gather around a table to chart the course for our party’s future. I am prepared for a reconciliation meeting on any chosen day.
“I am pleased with today’s events. It signifies the commencement of our reconciliation process, and the progress we made today was significant. This is akin to events in my household, where I allow disagreements to happen to gauge the maturity of my children.”
Abure, in a statement relayed by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed contentment with Obi’s leadership endeavors within the party.
He remarked, “The Labour Party appreciates your reconciliation initiative, and we pledge our full support. We are not the instigators here; we have consistently pursued peace as we cannot enter future elections with divided loyalties.
“We are resolute about 2027, which is why we are the sole party to have nominated a candidate for the 2027 presidential election. We are resolute in our direction and refuse to be swayed. We are determined to guide Nigerians towards a better nation.”
