The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, on Sunday in Abuja dismissed reports of a disagreement between the Labour Party and the Nigeria Labour Congress, saying the party and organised labour remain united and working together.
He spoke during an interview on the sidelines of the handover of the report of the National Steering Committee on Membership Validation.
Emetu, who also chairs the committee, addressed claims that the leadership of the NLC under Joe Ajaero was planning to dissolve the party’s National Caretaker Committee over alleged failure to conduct congresses and actions said to be harmful to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said there was no crisis between both sides and described the party as open to all Nigerians.
He recalled that leaders of the NLC had attended meetings with the party, adding that such engagements would not be possible if there was a dispute.
According to him, the Labour Party remains a national platform and not a closed group. He added that the level of trust enjoyed by the party in Abia State would also be seen at the national level.
Also speaking at the event, the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, dismissed reports of a breakdown in relations with organised labour.
She referred to a recent National Executive Council meeting held at the Abia Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where leaders and members of both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress were present.
She said their participation showed that there was cooperation between the groups.
Usman added that if there were serious disagreements, key labour figures would not have been present at party activities. She maintained that the party and labour leaders were still engaging and working toward common goals.
In the same vein, the Interim National Secretary of the party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, rejected claims of a rift.
He said the NLC and TUC remain key stakeholders in the party and were represented at the event in Abuja. He also noted that the recent NEC meeting was broad and inclusive, with no sign of internal division.
The Labour Party rose to national prominence during the 2023 general elections but has faced internal leadership challenges in recent months, including calls for restructuring.
Despite these issues, party officials insist that there is unity within its ranks and that collaboration with organised labour remains intact as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.