Amidst escalating tensions between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party, the NLC has declared that it will not stop former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s potential departure from the Labour Party.
The NLC leadership has made it clear that it will persist in its efforts to remove Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party. Benson Upah, the spokesman for NLC, disclosed this stance in an interview with Sunday PUNCH. Upah reiterated the union’s refusal to acknowledge Abure’s leadership, citing what it deems an ‘illegal’ national convention that reinstated Abure.
“Our position on this matter remains unwavering. Abure is unrecognized by us. It’s not a matter of removal; as far as we are concerned, he simply does not hold legitimacy,” Upah emphasized.
This development comes amidst calls for the resignation of both the embattled national chairman of the Labour Party and NLC President Joe Ajaero from a group of retired workers under the Lagos Assembly of Labour Veterans and Trade Unionists. The disagreement extends to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, despite his plea for broader consultation.
During an X (formerly Twitter) Space session organized by Parallel Facts, Obi explained his absence from the convention where Abure was re-elected, citing the party leadership’s failure to heed his call for wider consultation.
Obi’s speech has sparked speculation about his potential departure from the Labour Party, despite being guaranteed the 2027 ticket at the convention. However, Upah emphasized that the decision regarding Obi’s party affiliation rests with him, stating that the NLC will not obstruct his choice.
While acknowledging Obi’s value as an asset, Upah reiterated that the NLC would not stand in his way if he opted to leave the Labour Party.
“The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” he added.
