The leadership faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure has cautioned the caretaker committee headed by Nenadi Usman against dissolving elected party executives nationwide, describing such a move as unlawful. The group urged adherence to the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which it said does not recognise any attempt to restructure party leadership outside constitutional procedures.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh. The statement responded to claims that a rival faction planned to replace existing ward, local government and state executives with interim appointees.
According to the Abure-led leadership, the electoral commission had formally declined a request seeking dissolution of party structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It said the commission cited failure to provide statutory notice and lack of constitutional authority within the party as grounds for rejecting the move.
The leadership noted that the dispute over party control is currently before the Court of Appeal but said public clarification became necessary due to what it described as misleading claims. It maintained that no group has the legal backing to unilaterally remove duly elected executives.
The statement further argued that the caretaker arrangement lacks constitutional legitimacy within the party’s framework. It alleged that the committee emerged through a process not recognised by internal party rules.
The faction also criticised the involvement of Alex Otti and Peter Obi, claiming they convened stakeholders to constitute an interim leadership structure outside established procedures.
It added that any judicial ruling obtained to validate such actions would not supersede the party’s constitution, referencing proceedings at the Federal High Court.
Party members were urged to disregard directives from the caretaker committee while awaiting a final judicial determination. The leadership expressed confidence that the appellate court would provide clarity on the matter.
The faction added that resolving the dispute is essential to stabilising party structures ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
