The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed claims that the absence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials at its March 27 national convention invalidates the reelection of its National Chairman, Julius Abure, and other National Working Committee members.
National Legal Adviser Kehinde Edun stated that INEC’s non-attendance does not affect the legitimacy of the convention, emphasizing that the law only requires proper notice, not mandatory INEC attendance.
Edun’s statement responds to INEC’s declaration that it did not monitor the convention, which has been used by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to question Abure’s legitimacy. The LP leadership accused the NLC of misinterpreting INEC’s letter and attempting to hijack the party.
The party’s internal rift remains unresolved, with the NLC and its stakeholders distancing themselves from the current National Working Committee. However, the LP has reaffirmed its commitment to its leadership and warned against external interference.