NLC Warns INEC Against Attending Planned LP National Convention

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to warn against attending the national convention of the Labour Party scheduled for March 27, 2024.

The NLC, through its solicitors, Falana and Falana’s Chambers, accused the Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his associates of planning an illegal convention in defiance of court orders.

In the letter dated March 22, 2024, the NLC highlighted the illegality of the planned convention, citing previous court rulings that declared the Labour Party’s status and ordered inclusive conventions.

The Congress also threatened legal action if INEC failed to comply with the demand to prevent what they deemed a breach of justice and the rule of law.

The NLC referred to a Federal High Court judgment in Suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/866/2014, which declared the Labour Party as an institutional political party founded, promoted, and registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on behalf of the Nigerian workers.

The court ordered factions to convene an expansive and inclusive national convention of the party.

Additionally, the NLC mentioned another case, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/491/2021, where the plaintiffs sought an order of injunction against the first, second, and third defendants, restraining them from holding any national officers appointed in a manner violative of the orders of the Federal High Court in the aforementioned case.

The NLC urged INEC to restrain its officials from undermining the due administration of justice and respect for the rule of law by attending the illegal convention.

They warned that failure to comply with their request would lead to contempt proceedings against the Chairman of INEC.

This development underscores the importance of adhering to court orders and respecting the rule of law in the political arena.

It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the planned Labour Party convention will proceed as scheduled.