The labor party crisis deepened because the President of the NLC ordered the takeover of offices throughout the country

In a brave step that indicated an increase in the tension in the Labor Party, the President of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, had instructed union leaders throughout the country to mobilize members for the takeover of all 36 state offices and the National Secretariat of the Party.

The instructions were issued through internal memos circulated in Abuja on Tuesday and came after the decision of the Supreme Court last Friday, which canceled a lower court decision which was seen as beneficial for the current leadership of the Labor Party under Julius Abure.

This latest call reflects a dramatic episode on March 21, 2024, when a disadvantaged trade union invaded the party headquarters in Abuja, an action of the party’s national work committee was then described as a calculated effort to steal sensitive documents and funds.

However, Ajuero has defended the NLC action, maintaining that the union will not stand while the court’s decision is ignored.

He accused Abure and his colleagues against the top court and held fast to illegitimate power. “We warned him more than a year ago that Nigerian workers and true members of the Labor Party will always reclaim what is their right, no matter how long it will take,” Ajaero said.

In the memo, the President of the NLC asked Nigerian workers, members of the Labor Party, and supporters of democracy to prepare for peaceful branches from all labor offices throughout the country. He stressed that the NLC Political Commission, along with other stakeholders, will issue further instructions to guide national mobilization.

Ajaero also filed an appeal to the State Security Institute, including the Nigerian Police and the State Service Department, urged them to support and uphold the Supreme Court’s decision. “We hope that they uphold the rule of law. Any failure to do it will damage the country’s democratic image,” he warned.

He expressed his distrust that Abure and his loyalists were still in a parade as a national party officer, regardless of a clear legal statement. To overcome the leadership crisis, Ajaero suggested that members of the National Executive Committee of the Labor Party appoint a temporary leadership to hold an inclusive national convention. This, he said, must be in harmony with the party’s constitution and the new approval assessment.

The President of the NLC concluded by calling for the Independent National Election Commission (Inec) to respect the commitment stated to enforce the judicial decision. He demanded a direct transfer of Julius Abure and his national work committee from the official Inec portal in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.

“This is a moment that determines our democracy,” said Ajaero. “Nigerian workers will not allow impunity and violations of the law to develop in structures that hold their names.”

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