Labour Party Blasts Reps Caucus, Threatens Sanction over National Convention Postponement Request

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized its House of Representatives caucus for calling for a shift in the party’s planned national convention, threatening disciplinary action if the lawmakers fail to respect party supremacy.

In a statement on Monday, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh warned the lawmakers to respect the party’s authority or face consequences.

The LP caucus leader in the House, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, had at the weekend called for the postponement of the national convention scheduled for the end of this month.

The proposed national convention has sparked controversy within the party, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and some supporters of the former Presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, calling for the sack of the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, for planning to hold a convention without the input of stakeholders in the party.

However, the LP National spokesman, Ifoh, said that the statement by Hon. Ogene shows his lack of knowledge about the party’s constitution, which is different from that of the APC and PDP.

According to Article 15:1-4 of the LP constitution, there is no equality of tenure, and while the Ward, local government, and state executives have three-year tenures, the national executive has a four-year tenure.

As at the moment, party executives in over 16 states are subsisting because they have conducted their congresses.

The LP expects its lawmakers to read the party’s constitution before making public comments against the party.

The LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, has asked the President of the NLC to resign and contest for the position of LP chairman, following a row between the NLC and LP over the planned convention.

The Labour Party has emphasized its commitment to defending its ideology and constitution at all times, irrespective of whose ox is gored.

The party will not hesitate to discipline any party member who fails to respect the supremacy of the party.