Labour Party Defiant In The Face OF NLC’s Claims: “Our Headquarters Will Be Defended”

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Obiora Ifoh, the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed concern over the recent actions of the NLC. He condemned statements made by the NLC leadership, which allegedly threatened to target Labour Party offices nationwide. While the LP initially considered ignoring the threats, Ifoh stated that the party was compelled to respond in order to assure its members of its commitment to safeguarding its offices and resisting any form of intimidation.

The Labour Party labeled the NLC’s threats as an attempt to pressure INEC and security agencies into unjust actions. Ifoh also referenced a Supreme Court ruling on political party leadership, which clarified that the court had no jurisdiction over internal party matters, including disputes over leadership.

The LP spokesperson further emphasized that the party’s leadership transition in March 2024 followed all necessary procedures as outlined in the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Ifoh clarified that the LP’s legal actions were not related to leadership disputes, but were aimed at compelling INEC to provide the uploading code for the Ondo State governorship election.

The spokesperson also reminded the NLC of the party’s previous warning against holding unauthorized meetings, especially in Umuahia, and dismissed any decisions made during such meetings as invalid.

Additionally, Ifoh highlighted the NLC’s history of aggressive actions, including a 2024 incident when union members forcibly entered the LP national headquarters and removed valuables, a matter that was reported to the police.

He alleged that recent threats to attack LP offices had been leaked by some NLC members.

Ifoh also criticized Ajaero for politicizing the NLC and diverting focus away from workers’ welfare, suggesting that Ajaero consider leaving unionism for a political career, as he no longer appeared fit to lead the NLC.

The LP further emphasized that there was no trade dispute with the NLC, clarifying that the party does not employ NLC staff and that the union had no valid grounds for industrial action.