The Labour Party on Tuesday convened an extraordinary meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) to address the lingering leadership crisis that has rocked the party since early 2023.
Opening the session, key stakeholders expressed commitment to restoring legality and internal democracy in the party’s leadership structure. The crisis escalated into a series of court cases, culminating in a Supreme Court judgment on April 4, 2025. The apex court nullified earlier decisions from lower courts and confirmed that the tenure of the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee had expired.
Participants at the meeting strongly condemned a controversial town hall event held in Anambra State on March 27, 2024, which the Abure-led faction described as a national convention. According to the Labour Party Constitution, the 2022 Electoral Act, and a 2023 Federal High Court consent judgment, the gathering did not meet the legal requirements for a valid convention or leadership election.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly rejected the outcome of the meeting, citing a breach of Sections 82(1) and 82(5) of the Electoral Act. These sections mandate a 21-day notice and properly constituted congresses to elect legitimate delegates and leaders.
In response to the crisis, the party’s Board of Trustees, with backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), constituted a National Transition Committee (NTC) in May 2024. The committee’s mandate was to conduct valid ward, local government, state, and national congresses that would culminate in a credible national convention. However, legal and procedural issues slowed progress.
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The emergency NEC meeting aimed to reignite that process. Party leaders resolved to begin fresh congresses across all levels and to hold a national convention where new leaders would be democratically elected. They also called for unity among party members and urged the continued support of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The NEC meeting, declared in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act, was attended by invited stakeholders, observers, and party members committed to democratic principles.
