NLC writes INEC, warns against planned LP national convention

The Nigeria Labour Congress has written the Independent National Electoral Commission, urging it to halt any support for the national convention of the Labour Party scheduled for March 27, 2024.

In a Friday letter addressed to the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, the NLC accused the Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure, and his associates of planning an illegal convention in defiance of court orders.

The NLC’s solicitors, Falana and Falana’s Chambers, in the letter dated March 22, 2024, highlighted the illegality of such a gathering, citing previous court rulings that declared the Labour Party’s status and ordered inclusive conventions.

The NLC, in the letter signed by Marshal Abubakar, threatened legal action if INEC failed to comply with the demand to prevent what they deemed a breach of justice and the rule of law.

The congress’ letter was titled, “Request To Desist From Validating The Illegal Labour Party National Convention Scheduled For March 27, 2024.

NLC writes INEC

It read, “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress, on whose behalf we write this letter.

“It has come to our notice that Mr Julius Abure, the Chairman of the Labour Party, and a handful of his supporters are planning to hold a national convention of the Labour Party on March 27, 2024, at Abia, Abia State, with the active connivance of some officials of the commission under your able leadership.

“As you are no doubt aware, a national convention conducted by the Abure faction will be violative of the judgment of the Federal High Court in Suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party and 3 Ors. vs. Com. Salisu Muhammed, where the court had declared the Labour Party as ‘an institutional political party founded, promoted, and registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on behalf of the Nigerian Workers.’ and thus ordered the factions to ‘convene an expansive and inclusive national convention of the party.’ Please find attached a CTC of the judgment.

“Similarly, the plaintiffs in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/491/2021 between Labour Party & 9 Ors. vs. Barrister Julius Abure& 2 Ors. had approached the Federal High Court seeking, inter alia, an order of injunction in favour of the plaintiffs restraining the first (Barrister Julius Abure), second (Umar Farouk), and third (Barr. Akingbade Samuel Oyelakin) defendants, or any and/or all of the national officers appointed in any manner violative of the orders of the Federal High Court in suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014 between Labour Party & 3 Ors. vs. Com. Salisu Muhammed & Ors.”

It further read, “In a well-considered ruling, the Federal High Court on Friday, July 23, 2021, ruled, ‘An order is hereby made for the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum in order not to disturb the res of the matter pending further order of this court.’ Attached is a CTC of the order.

“In view of the foregoing, we are compelled to urge you to restrain officials of the commission from undermining the due administration of justice and respect for the rule of law by attending the illegal convention.

“Take notice that unless you comply with the foregoing request forthwith, we shall approach the Federal High Court and institute contempt proceedings against you.”

NLC, LP crises

According Online reported that the NLC stormed the national secretariat of the Labour Party in Abuja on Wednesday to protest the party’s national convention planned for the end of this month.

Recently, there has been back-and-forth dragging between the congress and its political wing and the LP.

The leadership crisis rocking the LP took on a different dimension last Saturday after the National Working Committee of the opposition party accused the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, of desperately seeking to replace its National Chairman, Abure.