Labour Party’s New Leadership Boosts Confidence After Court Ruling

The Labour Party (LP) has expressed renewed confidence following a recent court ruling that removed Julius Abure as its national chairman. Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who currently serves as the interim national secretary of the party, celebrated the ruling as a validation of the party’s long-standing position and a significant moment for its supporters across Nigeria.

In an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, Nwokocha characterized the judicial decision as a breath of fresh air after a protracted internal crisis. He stated, “Seriously, I am happy because at the end of the day, the truth has come to bear.” Nwokocha noted that public sentiment following the ruling indicated widespread disapproval of previous court decisions that allowed Abure to remain in office. “The way Nigerians reacted after that judgment, how happy they were, shows that the previous decisions were quite unpopular,” he added.

The immediate focus for the interim leadership is securing formal recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Nwokocha confirmed that the party intends to rebuild its structures across Nigeria while initiating a membership drive for both new and existing members. He remarked, “INEC has to recognise the leadership of Nenadi Usman. We have also given out a timetable for congresses because ours is an interim National Working Committee.”

Nwokocha attributed the turmoil within the party to the previous leadership’s failure to embrace democratic processes. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to a structured hierarchy, starting with ward congresses and culminating in a national convention. “Before his tenure expired, what we asked for was simple: allow the democratic process to take its course,” he stated.

The Labour Party is defined by its commitment to populism, with Nwokocha asserting that leadership must be representative of the grassroots. “You cannot do anything except carry the people along,” he noted, reinforcing the party’s ideology that prioritizes the voice of the masses.

Regarding the potential reconciliation with former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Nwokocha acknowledged the respect the party holds for his principles but indicated that they are not actively pursuing his return. “We are not going to woo him back. He is a highly principled man,” he said, confirming that the party continues to have influential figures within its ranks, such as Dr. Alex Otti.

As the party prepares for the upcoming general election, Nwokocha ruled out any coalitions or mergers with other political entities. He emphasized, “Labour Party is a full-fledged national party. When it comes to coalition, merger, or alliance, we are not interested.” He argued that the party already embodies a coalition of organized labor and allied institutions, including the National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Looking ahead, Nwokocha confirmed that the Labour Party’s national convention is scheduled for March 2024. Following this event, the interim committee will transition leadership to a substantive executive team. “Nothing is missing,” he assured.

On the matter of Abure’s ongoing appeal, Nwokocha expressed confidence that INEC would act in accordance with the most recent court order. He noted that while Abure’s name had previously been placed on the electoral commission’s portal by court order, a new order was required to effect his removal. “INEC is the regulator, and it has formally written. A vacuum can never be allowed. I am sure INEC will do the right thing,” Nwokocha concluded, reinforcing the party’s commitment to its democratic principles and future direction.