…Commends Datti for backing faction, declaring presidential ambition
Stephen Ukandu with Agency Report
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has ruled out any possibility of forming a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This position was made known during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday following the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
The NEC, which had in attendance members of the National Working Committee, other national officers, and the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, adopted key resolutions signed by National Chairman Julius Abure and National Secretary Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim.
Speaking at the briefing, Abure said: “NEC in session reiterates that the Labour Party will not be part of any coalition for the 2027 general election.
“NEC believes the 2023 coalition was more impactful than any other. We will rebuild, reconcile, and consolidate the gains of that election.
“The Labour Party is ideologically distinct, with programs and a philosophy that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
“We therefore cannot align with politically spent forces who previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”
The NEC also commended Senator Baba-Ahmed for reaffirming his support for the faction and for indicating interest in running for president in 2027.
The council, however, condemned a parallel meeting reportedly held by a rival faction of the party at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Friday, July 18, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional.
Abure stated that the gathering violated the Labour Party Constitution and was not sanctioned by any recognized organ of the party.
“NEC disassociates from the meeting’s outcomes, including the renaming of the illegal Umuahia Caretaker Committee as an Interim National Working Committee.
“Illegality cannot be legitimised by rebranding. The so-called Interim NWC remains unlawful.”
Citing Article 14(4)(B) of the party’s Constitution, Abure stressed that only the National Secretary, with the Chairman’s approval, has the authority to convene NEC meetings. He insisted there is no leadership vacuum in the party.
He also reaffirmed that the party’s national convention held on March 27 in Nnewi was conducted in line with constitutional and legal procedures.
“The Supreme Court validated the convention through its ruling delivered on April 4,” Abure stated.
He therefore called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to respect the Supreme Court ruling and all related legal interpretations.
“Based on this, NEC urges the public to disregard the so-called meeting and its resolutions.
“NEC reaffirms confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and calls for continued loyalty to the party leadership.”
The NEC also approved the conduct of congresses at the state, local government, and ward levels, in accordance with the party’s constitution and applicable laws.
