Concern is rising within the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party Caretaker Committee due to the delay in receiving recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) two weeks after its establishment.
The 29-member committee, formed at a meeting led by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and the party’s national leader, Peter Obi, has the responsibility of organizing elections for new executives across all levels.
Despite being inaugurated on September 4, the committee’s progress is hindered by the delay in INEC granting it official recognition, as expressed by an anonymous committee member.
INEC has allegedly advised the committee to await the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the party leadership in a Federal High Court in Abuja before taking action.
This delay comes after reports that Julius Abure, the embattled Labour Party National Chairman, took legal action against INEC to prevent the commission from recognizing the Usman-led leadership.
The committee faced challenges due to the absence of Abure or any National Working Committee members at the Umuahia meeting, preventing INEC from providing legitimacy. Another setback was the rejection of an initial recognition letter due to a signature discrepancy.
Meanwhile, the committee has sought an injunction from a state High Court in Aba, Abia State, to restrain the Abure-led executives from claiming party positions.
Usman and party chieftains gathered in Abuja to kick off the caretaker committee’s inaugural meeting, attended by dignitaries like the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election and Otti’s Deputy Governor.
Efforts to reach Usman and the caretaker committee secretary were unsuccessful, with no response to calls or messages for clarification.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party emphasized that the party does not acknowledge the committee and urged party members not to support Usman and her team, labeling them as disruptors trying to destabilize the party.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to its constitution and expressed refusal to accept any unconstitutional actions.