By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party (LP) has urged the immediate past state executive to desist from spreading false information, emphasizing that their tenure has officially ended.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the committee’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Prince Natty Auta, the party responded to recent claims made by the outgoing executive. The statement addressed allegations from the former Auwal Tafoki-led executive, who had reportedly circulated media reports stating that “the newly elected national caretaker committee chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, are not recognized as members of the party in Kaduna.”
“We, the Kaduna State Labour Party Caretaker Committee, wish to address recent falsehoods spread by the outgoing executive,” the statement read. “It is clear they are struggling to accept the end of their tenure, and their attempts to stay relevant through misinformation are both unfortunate and misleading.”
The caretaker committee challenged the outgoing executive to provide proof, particularly the ward register, to substantiate their claims that Senator Usman and Senator Baba-Ahmed are not registered Labour Party members.
“In contrast,” the statement continued, “we have submitted Senator Nenadi Usman’s membership card and register for public verification. We urge media outlets, including News-Port Nigeria, to adhere to journalistic ethics and verify information before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.”
The committee further pointed out that the former PRO, a native of Kogi State, may not have an accurate understanding of ward registrations in Kaduna. They cautioned the outgoing executive against resorting to blackmail and name-calling.
“The Labour Party is united and is simply undergoing a transition from one leadership to another,” the statement clarified.
The committee also noted that the outgoing executive had contacted Kagarko Local Government Chairman Comrade Zephaniah Yohanna to verify Senator Usman’s registration. When Yohanna confirmed her registration, the outgoing executive reportedly pressured him to suspend her, a request he declined.
“If any group within the party is illegitimate, it is the outgoing executive, whose tenure has expired,” the statement added. “Their refusal to accept this is likely due to their previous reliance on party positions as a source of income.”
The committee encouraged the former executive to support the party’s efforts, such as fundraising events aimed at backing candidates for the upcoming local government elections. It criticized the former leadership for focusing on form sales and tax collection, instead of offering innovative ideas to move the party forward.
“We urge them to take the honorable path and stop parading themselves as self-imposed leaders in Kaduna State. Our commitment remains to the unity and progress of the Labour Party, and we encourage all members to work together for the betterment of the party and the people of Kaduna State,” the statement concluded.
