The Labour Party has announced the establishment of a 29-member caretaker committee, chaired by former Finance Minister Senator Nenadi Usman, to oversee the election of new leadership within 90 days.
The decision was reached during the party’s NEC/Extended Stakeholders meeting at Government House, Umuahia, Abia State.
The committee’s terms of reference include conducting ward, local government, state congresses, and national convention in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The meeting, attended by various stakeholders, including NLC, TUC, Senate, House of Representatives, and gubernatorial candidates, aimed to address the party’s existential problems and chart a way forward.
Governor Alex Otti, who convened the meeting, emphasized the need for unity in resolving internal party issues. He noted that the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Bar. Julius Abure had elapsed since June 10, 2024, and called on all stakeholders to join forces to resolve internal problems.
National Leader Peter Obi urged members to support the caretaker committee, stressing that the party’s survival is paramount.
He said, “All we are doing is to follow the guidelines established by law to save the party from total collapse.”
The committee comprises representatives from various interest groups, including senators, House of Representatives members, state assembly members, NLC, TUC, and gubernatorial candidates. Senator Usman assured that the committee will justify the confidence reposed in them.
Key resolutions included reaffirming confidence in Peter Obi’s leadership and urging members with legal cases against the party to withdraw them for the party’s overall interest.
The meeting was seen as a crucial step towards resolving the party’s leadership crisis and ensuring its survival. With the caretaker committee in place, the party can now focus on conducting elections and establishing a new leadership structure.
In his remarks, Governor Otti commended the stakeholders for their commitment to the party’s survival. He said, “The overall interest of all Labour Party stakeholders is the survival of the party, not necessarily the composition of the NWC, as far as it is constitutionally composed.”
The caretaker committee’s chairman, Senator Usman, thanked the National Leader and stakeholders for finding them fit for the task. She assured that the committee will work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success.
The Labour Party, being the third largest party in Nigeria, has the potential to be the brightest if things are put in the right perspective. With the caretaker committee in place, the party can now focus on rebuilding and repositioning itself for future elections.
