By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Labour Party has formally inaugurated a new Interim National Working Committee (INWC) following a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, which ended the tenure of Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman. The announcement was made during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, praised the party’s efforts to restructure and reposition itself, emphasizing the need for unity and organizational discipline.
“It is shameful if we cannot manage the party while it is small; how then can we handle it when it grows bigger? We must be intentional about building a solid foundation,” Otti said. “This is a moment of restructuring and consolidation in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court, which restored ownership of the party to its members and stakeholders.”
The governor stressed the importance of following due process in establishing a new leadership hierarchy, starting from ward congresses up to the national level. He likened the party-building process to constructing a skyscraper, stating that without a proper foundation, no political movement can stand.
Following Supreme Court-Backed Transition
The NEC meeting was convened in line with the Labour Party Constitution and in full compliance with the Supreme Court decision in Sen. Nenadi E. Usman v. Labour Party & Anor, Suit No. SC/CV/56/2025. The ruling affirmed that Barrister Abure’s tenure had legally ended and directed the party to restructure its leadership accordingly.
Following the court’s decision, the NEC ratified the appointment of Senator Nenadi E. Usman as Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Secretary.
NEC Resolutions:
The following resolutions were adopted and issued in an official communiqué:
Ratification of Interim Leadership: The new INWC was formally ratified with a mandate to manage the affairs of the party until a National Convention is held.
Congress Schedule Approved: NEC approved the schedule for party congresses at the ward, local government, state, zonal, and national levels. Guidelines and timelines will be published soon.
Statutory Committees Formed: Committees were constituted to oversee membership revalidation and new member registration nationwide.
Election Readiness: The party reiterated its commitment to participating in upcoming elections, including the Anambra gubernatorial election, and directed the INWC to work closely with INEC.
Emphasis on Internal Democracy: The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to party discipline, unity, and the rule of law, warning against parallel leadership structures.
Call for Unity: All stakeholders were urged to close ranks and collaborate toward building a people-focused, ideologically driven political platform.
INEC and Security Agencies: NEC called on INEC and relevant security agencies to ensure credible and transparent elections across the country.
Adoption of Communiqué: The communiqué was unanimously adopted and disseminated to party members, INEC, the media, and the public.
Labour Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Party Values
In their separate remarks, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), reiterated their support for the Labour Party’s reorganization.
“This party must reflect the ideals of the working people. It must serve as a true alternative in providing transformative and accountable governance,” Ajaero declared.
Osifo emphasized that the Labour Party, which draws its strength from social democracy and grassroots mobilization, must be revitalized as a platform capable of challenging the status quo.
“Just like Brazil’s Workers’ Party has transformed governance there, Nigeria’s Labour Party must become a strong political force for economic and social transformation,” he said.
Unity Across Labour Movement
The NEC meeting brought together prominent Labour leaders and stakeholders, including members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), party leaders, and founding members of the party. Other key figures present included:
H.E. Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State
Chief S.O.Z. Ejiofor, BoT Chairman
Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, BoT Secretary
Comrade Deborah Yusuf, NLC Women’s Leader
Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary
Comrade Gen. N.A. Toro, TUC Secretary
The party’s new leadership has pledged to implement structural reforms and ensure a credible, transparent National Convention to usher in long-term leadership—thereby setting the Labour Party on a path of political renewal.