Dare Babalola
The Labour Party (LP) is embroiled in a bitter internal dispute, with the State Chairmen Forum accusing Senator Nenadi Usman and her caretaker committee of attempting to hijack the party through an illegal congress.
In a statement issued on Monday, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemned the caretaker committee’s memo to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposing a fresh congress on March 26, 2026, calling it “an action dead on arrival.”
“The attempt by Senator Usman to initiate a new memo to INEC is a clear disregard for the party’s constitution and the laws of the land,” Ifoh said. “INEC has already denied knowledge of any NEC convened by the caretaker committee, and we urge the commission to take stiff measures against Nenadi and her group.”
The controversy stems from INEC’s earlier refusal to recognize the caretaker committee, citing non-compliance with the party’s constitution. The commission had warned that the committee lacked authority to act on behalf of the party.
Ifoh emphasised that only the National Executive Council (NEC) can fix dates and rules for congresses, and the current state, local government, and ward executives’ four-year tenure remains valid.
“The Labour Party constitution guarantees the tenure of elected officers, and there’s no provision allowing a caretaker committee to dissolve elected structures,” Ifoh stated. “Nigeria is not a lawless nation.”
The LP leadership has appealed the Federal High Court judgment procured by Nenadi’s faction and urged INEC to designate an officer to oversee the party’s affairs.
The State Chairmen Forum demands INEC’s intervention, citing the caretaker committee’s “ignorance of the party constitution” and “naivety” as justification for their actions.
INEC’s response to the latest development is awaited, as the Labour Party’s internal crisis threatens to impact its future in Nigerian politics.
