Introduction to Labour Party’s New Chapter
As the dust of internal leadership wrangling settles at the Supreme Court, the Labour Party (LP) has stepped boldly into a new chapter, as Acting National Chairperson, Sen Nenadi Usman, declared a “total rebuild” of the party in a show of unity, strength and renewed purpose. Yesterday, the Anambra State chapter of LP held its primary to elect its candidate for the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Accusations of Hijacking the Party
However, a faction of the party accused the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and the presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, of trying to hijack the party. The faction insists that George Moghalu remains the party’s governorship candidate in Anambra. It warned against fresh primaries, claiming it had submitted the official candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Party’s Unity and Rebuild
Addressing members after the party’s crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Usman said LP was poised for transformation, stating firmly: “Now is not the time for distraction or division; it is the time to build.” The April 9, 2025, meeting was attended by key party leaders, including Otti, Obi, his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, elected lawmakers, labour leaders and representatives of the Obidient Movement.
Leadership and Internal Democracy
Usman’s emergence as Acting National Chair followed a unanimous vote of confidence by the NEC, ending months of power tussle that clouded the party’s post-2023 momentum. She pledged a new era of internal democracy, inclusion, and preparation for future elections. In a statement released by the party’s former National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the camp disassociated itself from any primary or outcome not sanctioned by the party’s constitution, calling for immediate cessation of any activity aimed at undermining the legitimate process.
Reaction to Alleged Illegal Primaries
After Moghalu’s election, his rival, John Nwosu pulled out of the previous election, citing irregularities and incompetence on the part of the Abure faction, which was sacked by the Supreme Court. The faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, stated in Kaduna yesterday, “The attention of the leadership of LP has been drawn to an illegal NEC meeting convened by Otti and Obi, wherein they have continued to live in an unhealthy paradise and deluding themselves.” According to him, the duo has shown a high level of desperation in trying to hijack the structure of the party.
INEC Guidelines and Party Primaries
In a statement yesterday, Ifoh alerted the nation, particularly INEC, of illegal primaries for the Anambra state governorship election allegedly conducted by some members of the party. It noted: “INEC has in an official communication stated that all political parties must complete its primaries on or before April 10, 2025, in compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Also, in line with the provision of Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC had mandated the political parties to abide by the guidelines, particularly to enable the commission to plan for the effective monitoring of the primaries.”
Conclusion
The Labour Party is at a critical juncture, with internal conflicts and accusations of hijacking threatening its unity and rebuild efforts. The party must navigate these challenges while adhering to INEC guidelines and ensuring internal democracy to emerge stronger and more united.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the Acting National Chairperson of the Labour Party?
A: Sen Nenadi Usman is the Acting National Chairperson of the Labour Party. - Q: Who are the accused of trying to hijack the Labour Party?
A: The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and the presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, are accused of trying to hijack the party. - Q: What is the deadline for completing party primaries according to INEC?
A: All political parties must complete their primaries on or before April 10, 2025, in compliance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
