By Aaior K. Comfort
Concerns are mounting within the Labour Party (LP) following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to recognize the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee two weeks after its formation.
Inaugurated on September 4, the 29-member committee, initiated by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and party leader Peter Obi, is tasked with conducting elections for new executives at all levels. However, the delay in INEC’s official recognition is reportedly hindering the committee’s progress.
A committee member, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over INEC’s inaction since a request for recognition was submitted on September 6. The source highlighted concerns that INEC is waiting for the resolution of a lawsuit filed by former National Chairman Julius Abure, aimed at preventing the recognition of Usman’s leadership.
The committee’s legitimacy issues arose after Abure and members of his National Working Committee failed to attend the inaugural meeting, which was meant to enhance the committee’s standing with INEC. Additionally, a previous letter requesting recognition was rejected because it lacked appropriate endorsements, leading INEC officials to state they could not proceed.
In response to the situation, the committee has sought an injunction from a state High Court in Aba, Abia State, to prevent Abure’s executives from claiming to represent the party. Usman and other party leaders held an inaugural meeting in Abuja, attended by notable figures like 2023 vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed and Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu.
Attempts to reach Usman and the committee’s secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, for comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh stated that the party does not recognize the Usman-led committee, urging members to reject what he called “destabilizing agents” within the party.
Ifoh emphasized the party’s commitment to its constitution, stating, “Our party is intact, and we will not allow visitors to chase us out of the house we laboured to build.”