Yunusa Tanko, a prominent figure in the Labour Party, has stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the sole authority to rule on the legality of the recent intervention by Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi in the party’s leadership. This intervention led to the establishment of a 29-member caretaker committee, headed by former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman.
The newly formed committee, which includes Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary, was constituted following a meeting convened by Otti. The committee’s mandate is to oversee the election of a new party leadership within 90 days. This decision comes amidst internal disputes within the Labour Party.
Tanko emphasized on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily that the role of INEC is crucial in determining the validity of the caretaker committee. “It is for INEC to assess the legality and make an official pronouncement,” Tanko explained. “As the electoral body, they are well-versed in the legal framework and should provide clarity on this matter.”
The intervention has been met with resistance from the faction led by Julius Abure, who argues that the meeting and the subsequent formation of the committee were conducted unlawfully. Abure’s camp has called for Nigerians to disregard the committee’s proceedings, criticizing the appointment of Nenadi Usman, who they claim is not a registered party member.
Obiora Ifoh, the party’s publicity secretary, condemned the intervention, asserting that it does not represent the Labour Party’s official stance or interests.
