Michael Ayuba Auta, a Labour Party Senatorial candidate in 2023, has raised significant concerns about the appointment of Senator Nenadi Usman as the national caretaker chairman of the Labour Party, labeling it as unconstitutional and void.
Auta argues that the process leading to Nenadi’s appointment lacked necessary consultation with key party members, particularly those in Kaduna State. He emphasizes that Kaduna, having been a stronghold for the party during the last general elections, should have had a more significant role in the decision-making process.
The controversial appointment was made during a meeting called by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and chaired by Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. This meeting resulted in the selection of Nenadi Usman to lead a 29-member national caretaker committee. This committee is tasked with overseeing the upcoming state congresses and the national convention. The decision has sparked widespread debate and criticism from various states across the country.
In a detailed statement issued in Kaduna, Auta expressed deep dissatisfaction with the way the appointment was handled. He pointed out that the party has seen a troubling trend where individuals who failed to achieve significant electoral success are treated favorably, while those who have worked diligently to advance the party’s goals are sidelined. Auta’s statement underscored his belief that Nenadi’s appointment is a clear violation of the party’s constitution, which mandates a specific process for making such appointments.
Auta argues that the procedure followed in Nenadi’s appointment did not adhere to these constitutional requirements. According to the Labour Party’s rules, appointments should involve extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency. However, Auta claims that this process was ignored in Nenadi’s case, leading to what he describes as a “backdoor appointment.”
Auta has called on the national leadership of the Labour Party to urgently address these concerns. He urges the leadership to annul Nenadi’s appointment and convene a meeting with all aggrieved members to discuss a fair and transparent way forward for the party. This, he believes, is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring that the party’s decision-making processes align with its constitutional guidelines.
Auta’s statement reflects broader discontent within the party regarding the recent changes and decisions made by its leadership. He emphasizes that the stakeholders who invested time, effort, and resources into the party, particularly in Kaduna State, should have been properly consulted before such a significant decision was made. The lack of proper consultation, according to Auta, undermines the party’s democratic principles and could have long-term repercussions for its unity and effectiveness.
Michael Ayuba Auta’s objections highlight a critical issue within the Labour Party’s internal operations, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional procedures and stakeholder engagement to ensure fair and transparent governance.
