The Labour Party (LP) has raised concerns over an alleged plot by certain members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take over the party’s leadership in Anambra State.
In a statement, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, accused Prof. Theophilus Ndubaku, who claims to be the chairman of the LP Transition Committee, and his associates of attempting to tarnish the reputation of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure.
The party alleged that Ndubaku and his group have been using misinformation and blackmail in their bid to assume control of the party.
Ifoh stated that the NLC lacks the authority to establish a political commission, a claim he said has been confirmed by letters from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Ministry of Labour, and other relevant institutions.
He further accused Ndubaku and his associates of fraudulently selling forms to desperate governorship aspirants during the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.
“My attention has been drawn to a press conference held by Prof. Theophilus Ndubaku, a self-proclaimed chairman of the LP Transition Committee, alongside a dismissed former member of the party and a few other unknown individuals. At this event, they attempted once again to discredit the Labour Party’s leadership and mislead the public.
“Their statement is entirely false, misleading, and a calculated attempt to damage the reputation of Barrister Julius Abure, our National Chairman.
“Forensic and police investigative reports have already confirmed that there was no forgery in the matter they refer to. The Attorney General returned the case file to the police because the forensic analysis exonerated the four accused individuals. Ndubaku and his allies are well aware of this, making it absurd for them to issue ultimatums over a non-existent case.
“It is clear that Ndubaku and his group are acting in bad faith, seizing every opportunity to tarnish the party’s image. The public has come to recognize their reckless behaviour.
“Furthermore, some of those seeking to take over the party’s leadership, including Ndubaku, are not even registered members of the Labour Party. The NLC, as established by law, does not have the authority to set up a Political Commission. Letters from INEC, the Ministry of Labour, and other bodies have made this clear.
“Interestingly, the NLC leadership, in its last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, set up a committee to explore alliances with other political parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Ndubaku and his associates are apparently unaware that the faction that created his so-called Transition Committee has since abandoned its agenda. Who, then, are they working for?
“I sincerely advise Mr. Ndubaku and his associates to seek another venture. The Labour Party is not like other political parties; we are a focused and purposeful organization working for the betterment of Nigeria. If they believe they can hijack the party for selfish interests, they are mistaken. No amount of pressure, blackmail, or misinformation will make us hand over control to them.
“It is also worth noting that Ndubaku and his group seem to resurface whenever a major election is approaching. Nigerians will recall how, during the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, they fraudulently sold forms to desperate aspirants, falsely promising them the party’s ticket. What happened to the millions they collected?
“Now, as the Anambra governorship election process unfolds, they are back at it again, likely targeting unsuspecting aspirants. We are warning Nigerians to beware of this emerging political scam and urging security agencies to investigate these individuals before they cause further harm,” the statement concluded.
