The Labour Party factions aligned with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi have dismissed claims of division within the Senator Nenadi Usman–led interim national leadership.
Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, described reports of arbitrary changes within the party’s interim National Working Committee (NWC) as baseless.
“We wish to use this opportunity to allay rumours in some circles claiming that there are cracks in the Senator Nenadi Usman council of the Labour Party due to alleged arbitrary removal and replacement of some key officers,” Akeni said.
He stressed that the Labour Party’s foundation, as an institution birthed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), distinguished it from other political parties created by individuals.
“The public and our supporters nationwide are reminded that the Labour Party is the only political party founded by an institution, the NLC, and not by individuals who can wake up from a hangover any day and act unilaterally against the constitution and ethos of the party,” he said.
Akeni maintained that the party’s operations do not permit “totalitarian hallucinations,” insisting that fairness, justice and equality define its internal governance.
He also addressed concerns from some states alleging infiltration of their congress lists and interim councils by loyalists of former National Chairman Julius Abure, as well as individuals linked to rival parties.
“We assure all true Labour Party members nationwide that such assaults against the sensibilities of our party faithful, which will promote crises and sabotage the party’s progress towards the 2027 elections, will not see the light of day. Time will see off such political herdsmen,” he said.
Akeni further referenced the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, which affirmed the removal of the former leadership and said the party had moved beyond what he described as an era of “mega corruption.”
The Political Commission of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which oversees the Labour Party, announced advanced talks with political parties, humanitarian groups and civil society organisations to launch a major charity project for internally displaced persons across the country.
The initiative, titled WENFOY, “We’ve Not Forgotten You,” will feature local and international fundraising concerts modeled after global charity campaigns like the 1985 “We Are the World” project.
According to the Commission, the programme aims to support an estimated 8.18 million Nigerians displaced by insurgency, banditry, and communal conflict, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
Funds raised will be directed towards Education, Healthcare, Livelihood training, Low-cost container housing and Other essential needs.
The project will also assist government efforts in strengthening transparency in security management, conducting credible IDP headcounts, creating a comprehensive resettlement blueprint, and helping Nigeria avoid external military intervention.
The NLC added that WENFOY and its partner programme, IPAC-CHRRESS (Inter-Party Committee for Census, Homeland Return, Resettlement & Sustainable Security), will work with UNHCR, the Red Cross, interfaith groups, and other international bodies.
Beyond the northern states, the initiative will extend support to Bakassi returnees, noting that over 400,000 displaced people from the ceded peninsula were still classified as refugees as recently as 2022.
The Commission said the project aims to complement government interventions and help displaced Nigerians “regain their lives back.”
