Tensions escalated between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Labour Party (LP) as NLC members staged a protest at the party’s headquarters in Utako, Abuja. Led by Theophilus Ndubuaku, acting Chairman of the NLC’s Political Commission, the demonstrators called for the immediate resignation of Julius Abure, alleging his improper election as the national chairman of the party.

Ndubuaku asserted that the forthcoming convention, slated to be held in Umuahia on March 27 under Abure’s leadership, was illegitimate and aimed at re-electing Abure without due process. Concerns over the secrecy surrounding the event prompted the NLC to demand the formation of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate and inclusive national convention.

Despite the absence of party officials at the headquarters, NLC members occupied the premises, closely monitored by law enforcement to prevent any disruptions. Chants against Abure echoed through the air as allegations of fund embezzlement were levied against the party chairman.

Responding to the NLC’s actions, the Labour Party released a statement denouncing the directive, attributing it to Ajaero’s purported ambition to assume the role of national chairman. The party refuted allegations of financial impropriety and expressed openness to external audits of its accounts.

“We are even calling on the NLC to send its own external auditors to check our financial books. We are also calling on Peter Obi to expedite action on the auditing of our accounts,” the LP stated, accusing the NLC of resorting to “cheap blackmail” and diverting from its core mandate of defending workers’ rights.

The LP criticized the NLC’s track record, citing its alleged inability to sustain strikes or protests for workers’ interests effectively. With economic challenges such as soaring prices juxtaposed against stagnant wages, the LP urged the NLC to prioritize substantive issues affecting workers’ welfare.