In what’s shaping up to be a deepening political standoff, the Labour Party (LP) has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under the leadership of Comrade Joe Ajero, of orchestrating a campaign to discredit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and stir up chaos around the LP’s operations across the country.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday night in Abuja, Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, didn’t mince words. He claimed the NLC was not only attempting to pressure key democratic institutions but was allegedly gearing up to attack LP offices nationwide—an action the party views as politically motivated and highly dangerous.
LP Responds to Alleged Threats With Assurance and Legal Clarity
Initially, the Labour Party considered ignoring what it called empty threats. But as the rhetoric escalated, the party felt it was necessary to address the issue publicly—not out of fear, but to reassure its members and affirm its readiness to defend its mandate and infrastructure.
Ifoh didn’t hold back in criticizing the NLC’s alleged behavior, calling it “an alarming overreach” that risks destabilizing democratic order. According to him, this isn’t just internal bickering—it’s a direct attempt to manipulate institutions like INEC and the security services for political ends.
Leadership Disputes: LP Insists on Due Process and Supreme Court Backing
To clear the air, Ifoh revisited the party’s leadership transition in March 2024, asserting that the process was lawful and transparent, following the LP constitution and aligning with the Electoral Act.
He also pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier ruled that it had no jurisdiction over internal party matters—particularly leadership disputes. “The court made it crystal clear: issues like who leads a political party are for the party to decide, not the judiciary,” he emphasized.
The Real Issue: INEC Code for Ondo Gubernatorial Election
Dismissing claims that recent legal actions stem from a leadership tussle, Ifoh clarified that LP’s ongoing litigation actually seeks to compel INEC to provide the upload code required for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election. This, he said, has nothing to do with any internal wrangling but is about ensuring electoral transparency and preparedness.
He also criticized the NLC for attempting to convene unauthorized meetings—especially a controversial gathering in Umuahia, which LP considers illegitimate and non-binding.
Past Tensions: Accusations of NLC Invasion at LP Headquarters
This isn’t the first time the two bodies have clashed. Ifoh recalled an unsettling incident from early 2024, when the NLC allegedly stormed LP’s national headquarters, taking away valuables in what he described as an unlawful intrusion. The matter was promptly reported to the police, but according to LP insiders, the fallout has continued behind the scenes.
Now, with new threats reportedly leaked from within NLC ranks, the Labour Party fears the cycle may repeat—and possibly escalate.
The LP’s spokesperson didn’t hold back when speaking about Joe Ajero’s leadership. In his view, Ajero has steered the NLC away from its core mission—defending workers’ rights and welfare—and into political waters where he arguably doesn’t belong.
“If Ajero wants to do politics, he should come out openly and join a party,” Ifoh said, adding that the current union leader seems more interested in political drama than worker advocacy.
Addressing any misconceptions, LP made it clear: there is no trade dispute between the party and the NLC. Since the LP doesn’t employ any NLC staff, the union has no legal or moral grounds to initiate industrial action against the party.
Instead, any aggressive moves toward LP offices, Ifoh warned, will be met with swift legal action and a nationwide mobilization of supporters for lawful self-defense.
The Labour Party concluded its statement with a firm message to the NLC. If the union goes ahead with what LP considers “baseless threats” and attempts to take the law into its own hands, the party will not hesitate to call on law enforcement for protection and push back using every legal avenue available.
“We will not be bullied. We will not be silenced,” Ifoh said. “Our offices are not battlegrounds. Any attempt to forcefully enter or disrupt our operations will be dealt with decisively.”
As the lines between labour activism and political ambition become increasingly blurred, the growing rift between the Labour Party and the NLC raises serious questions about the future of both institutions. Whether this clash is resolved through dialogue or escalates further remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: Nigerians are watching.