Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party (LP) has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), claiming that political opponents are paying them to undermine former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the party's national legal adviser, Barrister Kehinde Edun, stated that the NLC has specifically targeted Obi rather than the party as a whole. "They are well aware of who will likely be chosen as the presidential candidate in 2027," Edun remarked.
Edun called on the NLC to focus on its primary responsibilities, stating, "The NLC should refrain from meddling in the affairs of the Labour Party and instead concentrate on fulfilling its mandate. They should assess whether they can regain their integrity and remain relevant."
He argued that the actions of the NLC are unlawful, citing specific sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Trade Union Act. "Their attempts to take control of our party are unconstitutional, as outlined in Sections 221 to 229 of the Constitution. Additionally, Sections 15(1) to 15(3) of the Trade Union Act explicitly prohibit the NLC from utilizing its funds for political purposes."
Edun raised concerns about the source of funding for the NLC's disruptive activities, questioning whether the APC is paying them or if they are disregarding the law by utilising union funds for political objectives. He pointed out that Section 15(3)(a) of the Trade Union Act defines 'political objective' as "the making of any contribution towards the funds of any political party." Edun urged the NLC to cease these activities immediately.
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He claimed that the NLC leadership and associated committees are not members of the Labour Party but rather external individuals paid by rival political parties to launch smear campaigns and vicious attacks against the party's leaders.
"The NLC leadership is well aware that they are not registered members of our party and, therefore, have no legitimate claim. Their assertions are clearly false and mischievous," he added.
Edun also accused the NLC of deceiving the public, stating that they continue to mislead unsuspecting individuals and serve as willing pawns for unscrupulous politicians and some elected members who seek to create an illusion of crisis to justify defection.
Regarding a previous court judgement, Edun dismissed the NLC's claims, describing their constant agitation over a consent judgement or agreement as tiresome, distasteful, and deplorable.
"If they truly possess an enforceable judgment from 2018, as they claim, and have been unable to benefit from it, they should feel ashamed. There is no court order against the Labour Party, rendering the question of disobeying a court order irrelevant."
The LP's press conference shed light on the escalating tensions between the party and the NLC, raising significant concerns for the upcoming 2027 elections.
