The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee has revealed the schedule for its upcoming congresses, which will be held at the ward, local government, and state levels in 2025.
The congresses will take place in phases, with the ward congresses set for February to March, local government congresses scheduled for April to May, and state congresses planned for June to July.
Obiorah Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the timeline and stated that states that meet the registration requirements are expected to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission within the specified timeframe.
The NEC also approved the creation of several key party committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, the Political Education Committee, and the State Elders Council. These new bodies are designed to strengthen the party’s internal processes and its role in Nigerian politics, according to Daily Post.
Barrister Julius Abure, the Labour Party’s National Chairman, addressed the creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, emphasizing the party’s commitment to advocating for reforms in the electoral system. He noted that the Labour Party had been a significant victim in the 2023 general elections and stressed the need for fair, transparent, and credible processes for selecting leaders. Hon. Benedict Etanabene was appointed as the committee’s chair, with Hon. Okey Joe serving as co-chair, and Dudu Manuga named as the committee’s secretary. The committee has been given eight weeks to submit its report.
Regarding the Political Education Committee, Abure explained that leadership had been identified as the country’s primary challenge, and there was a need to reorient the public to foster positive attitudes and behaviours. He emphasised that the people must become the drivers of growth and development.
The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Ativie Elizabeth, has been appointed as the chair of the committee, with Mr. Bulus Maisamari named as secretary. Additional members of the committee will be announced soon.
Abure, said, “We note that the Labour Party is a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.
“And for us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of these candidates must be credible, fair, and transparent.
“This committee will be chaired by Benedict Etanabene while Okey Joe will be the co-chair. Dudu Manuga will act as Secretary. The committee has eight weeks to submit its report.”
Abure, continued, “Before and during the 2023 general election, we had this understanding that leadership alone was the major challenge of this country.
“There is therefore the need to reorient the people and for the people to begin to change their attitudes and behaviors. There is also the need for the people to be the catalyst for growth and development.
“We have therefore appointed Rt Hon Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, as the chairman and Mr. Bulus Maisamari as the secretary of the Political Education Committee respectively.
“Other members of this committee will be announced in due course.”
