Usman-Led LP Caretaker Committee Illegal, Affront To Democratic Processes – Lagos Chair

The brewing crisis in the Labour Party (LP) appears to be far from being resolved as the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter, Dayo Ekong, has labelled the Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker Committee as Illegal and an affront to the democratic processes that guide the party’s operations.

Usman, a Senator and former Minister of Finance, was appointed early this month as Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee during an expanded stakeholder meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State.

Her appointment signalled an end to the tenure of the embattled National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, whose tenure was supposed to end in June.

But in a statement seen by THE WHISTLER, Ekong said the March 27 National convention of the party, which was held in Nnewi, Anambra State, had been validated by a court of competent jurisdiction.

At the convention, Abure and other officials of the National Working Committee (NWC) were re-elected for another four years.

The convention was preceded by nationwide picketing at LP secretariats over party control between Abure and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

However, Ekong argued that the convention adhered to both the 2022 Electoral Act and the LP Constitution.

She said: “As the Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, it is important to address and clarify the ongoing concerns regarding the illegal caretaker committee set up by Governor Alex Otti in Abia State. This action, which seeks to destabilize and mislead members of our great party, is not only a violation of party regulations but also a deliberate affront to the democratic processes that guide our operations.

“It is crucial to remind all Labour Party members and the public that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.K. Omotosho, has affirmed the legality and validity of the National Convention held in Nnewi on March 26, 2024. This convention was conducted in strict adherence to both the 2022 Electoral Act and the Labour Party Constitution, ensuring that all required procedures and regulations were followed.

“The ruling by the Federal High Court is a binding judicial declaration that solidifies the decisions made at the Nnewi convention, including the election of party officers. Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has, in several judgments, consistently held that issues concerning the planning and execution of a national convention or the selection of delegates fall squarely within the internal affairs of political parties. As such, these matters are outside the jurisdiction of any court of law. This means that neither Governor Alex Otti nor any other external actor has the legal standing to interfere in the internal workings of the Labour Party.”

Citing Sections 82(1), 82(3), and 82(5) of the 2022 Electoral Act, alongside Articles 7, 13(1), 13(1)(b)(ii), 13(1)(b)(viii), and 13(1)(ix) of the LP Constitution, Ekong noted that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not have the right to meddle in the internal affairs of a political party outside its statutory function.

She, therefore, called on members of the party to remain united and committed to the vision and values of the party, adding that the party’s leadership is in place.

“In light of these rulings, it is pertinent to emphasize that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a federal institution, is bound to respect the laws of the land, including the rulings of competent courts. Sections 82(1), 82(3), and 82(5) of the 2022 Electoral Act, alongside Articles 7, 13(1), 13(1)(b)(ii), 13(1)(b)(viii), and 13(1)(ix) of the Labour Party Constitution, clearly outline the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs. Not even INEC can intervene or act irrationally regarding matters that fall outside its statutory role, despite any external pressures.

“It is, therefore, vital for all Labour Party members to remain united, vigilant, and committed to the vision and values of our party. Do not be swayed by false narratives or illegal actions that seek to divide us. The leadership of the Labour Party, as reaffirmed by the courts, is firmly in place, and we will continue to operate under the authority granted by the party’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Let us remain focused on our collective goal of advancing the Labour Party’s agenda for the betterment of Nigeria. Any attempt to subvert the legitimate leadership and processes of the party will be met with firm resistance, guided by the rule of law,” Ekong stated.