Labour Party Criticizes Reps Caucus for Convention Demands

• The Labour Party criticizes its House of Representatives caucus for ineffective representation, warning of disciplinary action for non-compliance with party decisions
• LP caucus in the House of Representatives seeks to postpone the party’s national convention, citing ongoing leadership crisis for further consultations

The Labour Party (LP) has criticized its House of Representatives caucus, accusing them of failing to represent the people effectively.

In a statement on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, warned the lawmakers to adhere to party decisions or face disciplinary measures.

The LP caucus in the House of Representatives had requested a postponement of the party’s national convention, originally scheduled for the end of the month.

Speaking from Awka, Anambra State, LP caucus leader Afam Victor Ogene cited the need for further consultations due to the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

The LP national leadership informed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the convention’s plan via a letter dated March 13.

The venue was changed from Benin City, Edo State, to Umuahia, Abia State, with the date moved up from March 29 to March 27.

This decision sparked contention between the LP, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the party’s elected lawmakers.

The NLC and supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi demanded the removal of LP National Chairman Julius Abure for organizing a convention without consulting party stakeholders.

Responding to the LP caucus’s statement, National Spokesman Ifoh emphasized the importance of understanding the party’s constitution.

He pointed out that LP’s constitution, unlike those of other parties, dictates varying tenures for different levels of leadership.

According to Article 15:1-4 of the LP constitution, ward, local government, and state executives serve three-year terms, while the national executive serves for four years.

Ifoh urged lawmakers to refrain from airing party matters in public, stressing that internal issues should remain internal.

He warned that the party would not hesitate to discipline members who disregard its authority, affirming its commitment to uphold its ideology and constitution.