The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party held a crucial meeting on Friday, 18th July 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Convened in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution and in line with the Supreme Court judgement of April 4, 2025, which affirmed the end of Barr. Julius Abure’s tenure, the meeting marked a new phase in the party’s internal restructuring.
The gathering was attended by statutory NEC members, the Board of Trustees (BoT), leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), among other key stakeholders. At the conclusion of extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted and issued as the official communiqué:
1. Ratification of Interim National Leadership
The NEC ratified and inaugurated an Interim National Working Committee (INWC) with Senator Nenadi E. Usman as Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Secretary. The move formally sets aside previous claims to the national leadership.
2. Approval of Congress and Convention Timetable
The NEC approved a comprehensive schedule for conducting Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses, and a National Convention. The National Secretariat was mandated to release detailed guidelines and timelines to ensure inclusive, transparent, and democratic processes.
3. Establishment of Statutory Committees
To facilitate nationwide membership revalidation and registration of new members, the NEC approved the constitution of statutory committees. These committees will collaborate with State Chairmen, the National Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders. The Secretariat is to publish the full list of members.
4. Election Preparedness
The NEC reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to fielding credible candidates in the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election and various scheduled by-elections. The INWC was directed to liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2022.
5. Reaffirmation of Internal Democracy and Party Discipline
The NEC emphasized its dedication to internal democracy, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the party’s constitution. It also warned against parallel party structures or activities that contradict official resolutions.
6. Appeal for Unity and Reconciliation
The Council appealed to all members and supporters to put aside personal differences and work together to strengthen the Labour Party as a people-oriented and ideologically driven platform for national transformation.
7. Call on INEC and Security Agencies
The NEC urged INEC and security agencies to remain neutral, professional, and committed to delivering credible elections in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
8. Adoption and Dissemination of Communiqué
The communiqué was adopted as the official record of decisions taken at the meeting and will be circulated to party organs, INEC, the media, and the general public.
Signatories to the Communiqué include:
H.E. Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, Executive Governor, Abia State
H.E. Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor, Abia State
Chief S.O.Z Ejiofoh, Chairman, BoT
Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, Secretary, BoT
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC
Comrade Deborah Yusuf, NLC National Woman Leader
Comrade General N. A. Toro, PhD, mni, Secretary, TUC
Senator Nenadi E. Usman, Interim National Chairman
Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, General Secretary, NLC
Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President, TUC
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Interim National Secretary
This decisive move is seen as a significant step towards repositioning the Labour Party ahead of key national elections.
