NLC rejects Abure’s return, LP tips Obi for 2027

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, secured reelection on Wednesday at a convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, amid heavy security.

At the convention, the party also announced its decision to reserve its presidential ticket for the 2027 general election “solely” for Peter Obi, who was its presidential candidate last year.

It accorded the same privilege to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress, which wanted Abure out as LP leader, declared the Wednesday convention a nullity, vowing that Abure would not be recognised.

Reacting to the outcome of the convention, NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, declared, “It’s an illegality, a nullity. The whole exercise was a charade! Nothing can legitimise such brazen impunity.”

When asked for labour’s next line of action, Upah said, “You wait and see.”

The convention, which held at the Grand Seasons Hotel in Nnewi, had scanty attendance.

At the end of the exercise, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who served as the chairman of the convention, declared Abure winner after a unanimous support from the delegates.

Emetu represented his principal, Governor Otti.

A former National Organising Secretary of the party, Chief Clement Ojukwu, emerged as the Deputy National Chairman of the party.

About seven other persons were also unanimously elected to the National Working Committee of the Labour Party. Punch