Drama Unfolds: Labour Party Moves to Secure Secretariat as NLC Showdown Brews

Labour Party Bolsters Security at Abuja Headquarters Amid NLC Takeover Fears

The Labour Party (LP) has heightened security at its national secretariat in Abuja, deploying armed personnel following intelligence reports of a planned invasion by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

During a visit by The PUNCH to the party’s headquarters in the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory, at least six armed police officers were seen patrolling the premises. They were joined by private security guards reportedly assigned by party loyalists aligned with the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure.

Confirming the development, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, stated that the action was based on credible intelligence suggesting that NLC affiliates were planning a forcible entry into the secretariat.

“We’re simply taking precautionary steps,” Ifoh said. “After the NLC threatened to seize our secretariat earlier this year, we had no option but to alert the police and relevant security agencies.”

He emphasized that while the LP remains law-abiding and committed to peace, it reserves the right to protect its property.

“As a political party governed by law, we do not respond to threats with violence,” Ifoh continued. “However, when the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, publicly declared plans to take over our secretariat within days, we had to act responsibly.”

NLC Mobilises Nationwide Action

The increased security measures come on the heels of reported directives by the NLC to its state chapters to mobilize for the occupation of LP offices across the 36 states, including the national secretariat.

Although the NLC’s official demands have not been fully disclosed, insiders told The PUNCH that their grievances center on dissatisfaction with Abure’s leadership, internal party democracy concerns, and the perceived sidelining of labour stakeholders within the party’s structure.

Despite mounting pressure, the National Working Committee led by Abure has maintained a firm stance, rejecting what it calls “unlawful interference” by the NLC.

Party officials also pointed to the March 21, 2024, incident, when NLC President Ajaero and union members stormed the LP headquarters, which they described as an illegal attempt to seize sensitive documents and financial records.