Julius Abure has successfully secured a second term as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, overcoming the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) disapproval.
The re-election occurred through a unanimous vote by delegates at the party’s national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, with the announcement made by the convention’s chairman and Abia State’s Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu.
Abure’s tenure has been marked by ongoing disputes with the NLC leadership, currently headed by Joe Ajaero.
The NLC had previously demanded Abure’s resignation and called for the formation of a caretaker committee to oversee a new, inclusive national convention.
Tensions escalated on March 20 when workers, barred from entering the party office, protested outside, calling for Abure’s removal over allegations of financial misconduct.
The Labour Party has maintained that its leadership is autonomous and not accountable to the NLC, a stance that has caused friction within the party.
Despite differing opinions within the party’s factions, the NLC insists on its authority over the Labour Party.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba recently addressed the controversy, affirming on a television program that the Labour Party owes its allegiance to the congress and serves as a vehicle for union members to champion and protect their rights.
He said, “First and foremost, the Labour Party was formed by the NLC, in the realisation of a clear objective in the Constitution of the NLC. Under Article 3 and Item 1, the major objective of the NLC is to promote, defend and advance the economic, political, and social rights and well-being of Nigerian workers and pensioners,” he stated.
“We own the Labour Party; it was formed under the leadership of Pascal Bafyau, as Party for Social Democracy. Under Adams, organs decided to change the name to the Labour Party, and the first chairman was S.O.Z Ejiofor who later handed over to Dan Anyanwu.
“So, the essence of forming the party is to make sure that workers, pensioners, farmers, can be able to have a platform to exercise their rights, which is enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution. The party was formed by NLC, and registered by NLC. It’s like you built a house, you got a C-of-O, then you rented the apartment, so you must have an interest in how the property is managed.”
