Senator Nenadi Usman, serving as the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, has stated that once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enforces the Federal High Court's ruling affirming her leadership, the party will appear as the only officially recognized Labour Party on the ballot.
Speaking during an appearance on ARISE Primetime on Monday, Usman expressed that INEC's recognition would clarify any confusion regarding the party's leadership and its legitimacy in the electoral process, asserting that no splinter group would possess legal authority to participate in upcoming elections.
"The recognition from INEC means that only one party, specifically my party, will appear on the ballot. It signifies that we alone have the capacity to correspond with INEC, which would engage in our primary elections, congresses, and other activities. Thus, there will be no doubt as to who is leading the party and which faction represents it, " Usman articulated.
These remarks came after a Federal High Court in Abuja validated the leadership of Usman's caretaker committee, declaring the tenure of Julius Abure as concluded and instructing INEC to acknowledge the new leadership until a national convention is convened.
Usman noted that the court's decision has already sparked heightened interest in the party, increasing its membership.
"This ruling provides legitimate backing, and since Wednesday, the influx of inquiries and applications from individuals wanting to join has grown significantly. Many were previous members who have returned, while new individuals express a desire to join. The strength of any party is fundamentally tied to its membership count, " she remarked.
She further elaborated:
"The ruling instills legal confidence, and the party comprises individuals who contribute to its membership. We’ve seen a notable increase in engagement since the ruling."
Usman emphasized the Labour Party's established institutional framework, indicating that it is positioned advantageously ahead of the 2027 elections.
"Our organization is at an advanced stage in its membership e-registration initiative, a concept originating from Labour Party policies, even if other parties have adopted similar measures. Labour Party stands alone in having institutional support from groups like the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)," she explained.
She added:
"In every polling unit across Nigeria, one can find professions such as teachers or healthcare workers, thus strengthening our party's base. Given this structure, the Labour Party stands to be the most formidable political entity in Nigeria, provided we strategically mobilize our resources."
Responding to critiques regarding the party's performance in the 2023 elections, Usman highlighted a lack of integration of the labour movement into the electoral framework.
"The absence of adequate collaboration with the NLC and TUC diminished our polling capabilities. Had they been appropriately positioned as election agents at polling units, they could have mitigated the difficulties we encountered during elections," she explained.
On the ongoing pushback from Abure's faction, Usman mentioned her efforts toward reconciliation, expressing her trust in the judicial process to resolve disputes.
"After the ruling, I reached out for reconciliation, suggesting unity and collaboration. While some have opted not to accept this, everyone is entitled to their choice. Nonetheless, the judiciary is aware that Nigerians place their trust in them, and I believe they will not prolong this matter indefinitely, " she stated.
She also rebutted assertions regarding internal strife within the party:
"Our members are not at odds with each other. If one's tenure has expired, it should be accepted. Members gather together under our party's established structures led by His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, the most senior member holding political office in our party."
She continued:
"When stakeholders convene to address INEC's directive regarding leadership status, they essentially align to ensure we prepare a committee responsible for organizing congresses from the ward to national levels. This alignment has already commenced."
"While dissenters have voiced their concerns, I prioritize peace and collaboration over conflict. My approach is non-confrontational, and I am not engaged in any form of hostility, " Usman affirmed.
The use of the caretaker framework will not aim to sideline dissenters in the planning of future party activities.
"It's not our intention to exclude anyone from our congresses or national conventions. An effective political party is an inclusive one, crucial for achieving electoral success, requiring the involvement of all members regardless of their standing, " she clarified.
Usman encouraged participation from party members, noting:
"There should be no reservations about approaching leadership roles; if members present themselves, and they are favored by voters, they shall win—it's fundamentally straightforward."
Regarding Peter Obi's exit from the party, she asserted Labour’s ongoing relevance at the national level.
"With a population exceeding 250 million, Nigeria is filled with talented individuals, many of whom may remain unknown. Despite Obi’s departure, we have discovered a significant number of individuals remained committed to our ideologies and wish to participate actively, " she emphasized.
"While we wished that Peter had stayed, we respect his decision while recognizing that many individuals are still attached to the core values of the party, wanting to advocate for social justice."
Discussing the prospect of alliances or coalitions leading into 2027, Usman clarified that such decisions would not be made unilaterally.
"Currently, the Labour Party is not engaged in merger discussions, though we would not dismiss this possibility outright, " she concluded.
She emphasized the importance of collective decision-making within the party:
"These decisions require consensus; I do not bear this authority alone. We have a Board of Trustees (BOT), National Executive Committee (NEC), and interim executive committee, and I merely represent a collective stance."
"When presented with opportunities, I assure you we will address them collaboratively and keep you informed, " she added.
Expressing confidence in the party’s leadership under Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Usman said:
"I have strong faith in his loyalty, exemplified through his effective governance. Abia's social justice initiatives mirror Labour Party principles perfectly, showcasing his competence."
"He is a notable governor in Nigeria, and feedback from the Abia populace validates this assessment, " she concluded.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!