LP Slams Reps Caucus Over National Convention Demands

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly criticized its House of Representatives caucus for demanding a shift in the party’s planned national convention.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, issued a statement on Monday, warning the lawmakers to respect party supremacy or face disciplinary action.

The LP caucus leader in the House, Afam Victor Ogene, had earlier called for the postponement of the national convention of the party, citing the need for further consultations in light of the party’s lingering leadership crisis.

However, the LP national leadership had already notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the proposed conduct of the national convention, with a change in venue from Benin City, Edo State, to Umuahia, Abia State, and an altered date from March 29 to March 27.

The proposed national convention has sparked controversy among the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and elected lawmakers on the LP platform, with many calling for the sack of the National Chairman of the LP, Julius Abure, for planning to hold a convention without the input of stakeholders in the party.

In response to Ogene’s statement, Ifoh pointed out that the lawmaker lacks knowledge of the provisions of the constitution of the party under which he was elected.

He emphasized that the LP constitution is different from those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and that the national executive has a four-year tenure, as opposed to the three-year tenure of the ward, local government, and state executives.

The LP National Spokesman also cautioned the lawmakers against rushing to the press on party matters and stressed that the party would not hesitate to discipline any member who does not respect the supremacy of the party.

He reiterated that the party is prepared to defend its ideology and constitution at all times, irrespective of whose ox is gored.