Written by John Alechenu
The Labour Party’s (LP) Interim National Working Committee (INWC) has been tasked by the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) with advancing internal democracy in order to restore and maintain public confidence.
Chief Peter Ameh, the national secretary of the CUPP, offered the counsel in response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) endorsement of Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership yesterday in Abuja.
He said that the recent INEC decision to formally acknowledge Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the LP’s National Secretary and Senator Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman (Caretaker) was a well-earned triumph.
He pointed out that the recognition was in accordance with an injunction from the Federal High Court and was subsequently posted on INEC’s official website.
He said that INEC’s move reinforces the importance of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Nigerian politics.
“The Labour Party has been embroiled in a protracted leadership struggle for months that threatened to undermine its internal cohesion and the broader democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who look to opposition parties as beacons of hope and accountability,” Ameh stated.
The factional conflicts, which were typified by the former National Chairman’s unwillingness to step down when his term ended, ran the risk of undermining public confidence in democratic institutions and diverting attention from the pressing need to create a more robust and inclusive democracy.
“INEC’s action is a clear support of judicial authority and due process, not just an administrative update.
“The commission’s listing of Senator Nenadi Usman and her team, which includes Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hamisu Santuraki (National Treasurer), Aisha Madije (National Financial Secretary), and Eric Ifere (National Legal Adviser), shows a dedication to respecting court rulings and making sure that only legal leadership structures are acknowledged for official party engagements, primaries, congresses, and electoral preparations.”
For all Labour Party members and supporters who have resolutely defended constitutional democratic values in the face of hardship, this development is very satisfying.
Instead of using extralegal means or attempting to thwart due process, these patriots have continuously argued for openness, obedience to party constitutions, and respect for the judiciary.
Their tenacity has paid off, demonstrating that honesty and loyalty to the law eventually triumph over factionalism and self-interest.
“I have traditionally supported internal party democracy, multi-party democracy, and safeguarding opposition spaces from excessive meddling or manipulation.
“The Labour Party’s use of the legal system to resolve its leadership crisis is a good model for other political parties dealing with comparable issues.
It emphasizes that the Constitution, court decisions, and popular will—rather than individual goals or coercive measures—must serve as the foundation for real political growth in Nigeria.
This acknowledgment opens the door for the Labour Party to return to its primary objective of giving Nigerians who want responsible leadership, economic fairness, and decent governance a strong alternative platform.
“The party can now proceed to organize its affairs, engage its members, and effectively prepare for future electoral contests with a unified and legally recognized leadership in place.”
