Labour Party on Wednesday announced the formation of a 29-member caretaker committee, with former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, as its chairman.
The committee was established to oversee the election of new party leadership within the next 90 days.
The Immediate-past Senate Minority Deputy Leader, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, was appointed as the committee’s Secretary.
This decision was made during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Extended Stakeholders meeting, which took place at the Government House in Umuahia, Abia State.
In a statement by Ukoha Njoku, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, the committee’s responsibilities include organizing Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses, as well as a National Convention, in line with the Labour Party’s constitution.
The committee includes three Senators, four House of Representatives members, three State House of Assembly members, and three representatives each from the NLC, TUC, and gubernatorial candidates.
Governor Alex Otti explained that the meeting was convened to address pressing issues facing the party and chart a path forward. He noted that the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC), led by Mr. Julius Abure, had expired on June 10, 2024.
Otti called on all party stakeholders to work together to resolve any internal disputes, saying that the survival of the party is more important than the composition of the NWC, as long as it adheres to the party’s constitution.
Speaking at the event, Labour Party National Leader and 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, highlighted the importance of following legal guidelines to prevent the party from collapsing. He pointed out that, as Nigeria’s third-largest party, the Labour Party has great potential if properly managed. He urged party members to support the caretaker committee in its mission.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Senator Usman thanked Mr. Peter Obi and other stakeholders for entrusting them with the responsibility and promised that they would fulfill their duties with dedication.
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of confidence in Mr. Peter Obi’s leadership and a resolution urging all members with legal disputes against the party to withdraw their cases for the greater good of the party.
