THIS DAWN — The Labour Party (LP) on Tuesday launched its nationwide congresses, recording what the party describes as an “overwhelming success” across Nigeria’s 36 states—except Abia State.
A statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, noted that the subsisting order from High Court in Isiala Ngwa that temporarily halted the exercise affected only Abia State.
Ifo insisted that the exception in Abia State arises from an interim order restraining the conduct of congresses, pending the determination of charges filed against the state party leadership.
According to LP’s official timetable:
- ward congresses held on Tuesday, December 2,
- Local Government congresses scheduled for Thursday, December 4, and,
- State congresses set for Saturday, December 6 at state secretariats nationwide.
Reports from supervision teams deployed by the national leadership indicate that the process has been peaceful, orderly and well-attended across most states.
Although the party insists the court lacks jurisdiction, it has chosen to comply pending efforts by its legal department to vacate the order.
Once lifted, Abia will conduct its own congresses on a later date.
“Forum-shopping dissidents”
The party’s scribe accused the Senator Nenadi Usman faction of spreading false claims that a nationwide court order had cancelled all LP congresses.
The party described this as “deliberate misinformation” and part of a wider attempt by “fifth columnists” to destabilize the party.
“No court in Nigeria has stopped the Labour Party from conducting its nationwide congresses.
“Forum-shopping dissidents secured only a rural court order affecting Abia State alone.
The rest of Nigeria is proceeding without hindrance,” the statement emphasized.
LP warned that spreading falsehood, including circulating claims that congresses have been halted, constitutes an offence under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.
Ifo pointed out that the Act criminalizes publication of statements likely to cause public alarm.
The party also accused expelled and suspended members of attempting to mislead the public after failing to gain recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
NEC recently reaffirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the legitimate national chairman.
The NEC meeting held on November 28—attended by INEC officials—resolved to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections by ensuring that all leaders emerge through transparent, democratic processes.
LP urged members nationwide to remain steadfast, dismissing the actions of what it described as “the last kick of a dying horse.”
“We are moving forward,” the statement read. “Anyone unwilling to keep pace with the party’s reforms will simply be left behind.”
