By Daniel Edu
The Labour Party (LP) has leveled accusations against Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alleging his desperate bid to replace Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesman, Obiorha Ifoh, on Saturday, LP responded to a letter from the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission (NLCPC), which called for Abure’s resignation and the organization of a caretaker transition committee.
The NLCPC, in its letter signed by Titus Amba and Chris Uyot, accused Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) of planning a ‘secret’ national convention in Umuahia, Abia State’s capital, on March 27, purportedly to re-elect Abure as a ‘sole administrator.’
LP’s response dismissed these claims as orchestrated by Ajaero, alleging his aspirations to assume leadership within the party. Ifoh emphasized that LP’s leadership would not be dictated by unionists who are not members of the party.
The LP spokesman affirmed that the planned national convention in Umuahia on March 27 would proceed as scheduled, despite the opposition.
Ifoh highlighted previous friction between NLC and LP, citing a history of confrontations and attempts at sabotage. He criticized Ajaero’s leadership, blaming it for undermining the harmony achieved between NLC, Trade Union Congress, and LP under Abure’s leadership.
LP stressed its commitment to democratic processes, stating that the decision to hold a national convention aligned with Article 14:4b of the party’s Constitution.
Regarding Ajaero and his supporters, LP urged them to formally join the race for the chairmanship if they disagreed with the party’s internal procedures. Furthermore, LP encouraged unionists to engage in grassroots politics by becoming party members at the ward level before aspiring to higher positions.
