No Room for Illegality, No Coalition for 2027, Datti Declares Interest in Next Presidential Race
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party has come out swinging against a factional move to hijack the party’s leadership, declaring the so-called “Interim National Working Committee” as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of both the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
At a high-stakes NEC meeting held Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, and attended by top national officers, state chairmen, stakeholders, and 2023 vice presidential candidate Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party formally disowned the parallel NEC meeting held in Transcorp on July 18, describing it as a political charade.
“No matter how illegality is decorated, it remains illegal,” the Labour Party NEC stated, warning that the faction’s attempt to rename its previously outlawed caretaker committee into an Interim NWC cannot sanitize its illegality.
The party cited gross violations of both its internal constitution and Nigeria’s Electoral Act, emphasizing that only the National Secretary, with the approval of the National Chairman, is empowered to convene NEC meetings. The factional meeting, NEC affirmed, flouted Section 82 of the Electoral Act and lacked statutory notification to INEC.
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the Abure-led leadership, the NEC pointed to the party’s March 27, 2024 National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State — an event upheld by the Supreme Court in its April 4, 2025 judgment.
In a firm call to action, the NEC urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to honor the Supreme Court ruling and recognize only the authentic leadership of the party.
“Let it be known — there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party,” NEC declared, reinstating full confidence in National Chairman Barr. Julius Abure and the entire National Working Committee.
The NEC also made several key declarations: Approved the immediate commencement of ward, local government, and state congresses. Stated categorically that Labour Party will not join any coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting the 2023 movement remains unmatched. Rejected alliances with “politically spent forces who have squandered the nation’s resources.” Applauded Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed for standing with the party and declaring interest in the 2027 presidential election.
With the dust now settling, the Labour Party appears to be tightening its ranks and signaling a fresh phase of consolidation and political revival ahead of 2027.
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