The Labour Party (LP) has taken a major step toward rebuilding its political structure and resolving its internal leadership crisis. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened a critical meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where it unanimously elected Senator Nenadi Usman as the Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the Interim National Secretary.
The decision follows months of legal battles and leadership tussles that had threatened to tear the party apart. The NEC meeting was convened in strict accordance with the Labour Party’s constitution and in line with a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025. The ruling, in the case of Senator Nenadi Usman versus the Labour Party and another (Suit No. SC/CV/56/2025), confirmed the expiration of Barrister Julius Abure’s leadership and affirmed the legitimacy of the Interim National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Usman.
The high-level meeting was attended by key statutory members of the NEC, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the party’s Board of Trustees, and other notable figures. Among the prominent attendees were the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the only serving Labour Party governor, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State. The turnout was a strong show of unity and commitment to charting a new course for the party even though the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi was absent.
Speaking during the meeting, Comrade Joe Ajaero reminded members of the original purpose of the Labour Party. He emphasized that the party was created by the labour movement for the common people of Nigeria, and warned against hijackers or political opportunists who claim leadership positions without backing from the founding structure. According to Ajaero, “Anyone who is not with us and is not working with the Labour force and claims to be the party’s chairman is a daydreamer. When the day of reckoning comes, we will say we don’t know you.”
Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed Ajaero’s sentiments and urged members not to be distracted by factions or controversies. He emphasized the need to rebuild the party on solid democratic principles. Otti stated that the NEC meeting was not just a response to the Supreme Court ruling, but a necessary step to restructure and rebrand the party for future challenges. He called on the Julius Abure-led faction to be humble and respect the rule of law, pointing out that the court’s decision must be respected by all party stakeholders.
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The NEC made several critical decisions during the meeting. First, it ratified the formation and inauguration of a new Interim National Working Committee (INWC) that will oversee all party affairs until a fresh National Convention is held. This committee will be responsible for stabilizing the party and preparing for internal elections at all levels.
Second, the NEC approved a detailed schedule for party congresses to be held at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels, leading up to the National Convention where a new NEC will be democratically elected. The national secretariat was mandated to immediately publish the guidelines and timelines for these processes to ensure full transparency and participation by all members.
Third, the party announced the formation of statutory committees to supervise membership revalidation and new member registration across the country. These committees are to work with the state chairmen, the national secretariat, and other key stakeholders to ensure a credible and inclusive registration exercise that reflects the grassroots strength of the party.
The NEC also reviewed the Labour Party’s preparedness for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State and several pending senatorial and federal constituency by-elections. It reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fielding credible candidates and directed the interim leadership to liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and complete all necessary documentation and processes in line with the 2022 Electoral Act.
In a firm declaration, the NEC warned against the formation of any parallel structures or illegal factions within the party. It stated clearly that the Labour Party is committed to internal democracy, the rule of law, and strict adherence to its constitution. Members engaging in activities contrary to these principles were cautioned to desist or risk expulsion.
To promote healing and unity, the NEC issued a passionate appeal to all party members and supporters to close ranks and come together for the greater good of the party. It urged all aggrieved persons to lay aside personal interests and work collectively to build a stronger, people-centered, and ideologically driven party that can challenge for power and truly represent the hopes of the Nigerian people.
In its final resolution, the NEC called on INEC and all security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities with fairness and professionalism, particularly as the party prepares for critical elections. It emphasized the need for credible and peaceful polls that reflect the true will of the people.
The official communiqué from the NEC meeting was adopted and signed by the key leaders present, including Governor Alex Otti, Chief Sedefor (Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu of Abia State, Alhaji Salisu Mohammed (BOT Secretary), Comrade Joe Ajaero (NLC President), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja (NLC Secretary), Comrade Deborah Yusuf (NLC National Women Leader), Engineer Festus Osifo (TUC President), and Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim Chairperson and Secretary, respectively.
Governor Otti urged the party faithful to focus on making the party work, “This party must work. Let us drop the distractions and focus on building a people-powered movement.”
