The Labour Party has resolved to commence its congresses nationwide from March 2026, alongside a comprehensive revalidation of its membership register and the admission of new members.
The decisions were taken at a joint meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Interim National Committee held in Abuja on Saturday, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Ukoha.
The high-level meeting was held as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of future electoral contests, and chaired by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who currently leads the party’s Interim National Committee.
According to the statement, the meeting approved the setting up of a detailed timetable for congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a National Convention. The entire congress process is scheduled to kick off in March 2026.
In addition, the NEC resolved to begin a nationwide revalidation of party membership while simultaneously registering new members. A committee was constituted to oversee and coordinate the exercise, which party leaders described as crucial to rebuilding internal cohesion and strengthening the party’s grassroots base.
The meeting also agreed to establish a reconciliation committee tasked with reaching out to aggrieved members who are willing to return to the party. In this regard, the Labour Party called on its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his associates to “sheath their swords” and rejoin the party’s mainstream, while urging Nigerians across the country to enlist in its ranks.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Otti expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising the Interim National Committee and uploading the names of the party’s current leadership on its official website, in compliance with existing court orders.
The NEC also formally expressed regret over the exit of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi. While wishing him well in his future political endeavours, the party urged remaining members to close ranks and focus on building a stronger and more united political platform.
According to the statement, the NEC acknowledged that the party had lost some members, including certain lawmakers elected on its platform into the National Assembly, as well as some caretaker committee officials who have since been replaced. Nonetheless, the leadership maintained that the party remains resilient and institutionally stable.
The party further regretted its inability to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory election, describing the situation as unfortunate but assuring supporters that corrective steps were being taken to avoid a recurrence.
Concluding, Otti thanked party faithful and supporters nationwide for their continued loyalty and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge from its current reorganisation process stronger, more united and better prepared for future political engagements.