The Labour Party on Wednesday alleged that it had uncovered a plan by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to summon an illegal convention of the party.
It said the plan was meant to cause disaffection in the party under the guise of pursuing a court judgement.
The party’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by its Director of Publicity and Media Strategy, Yinka Richards.
Richards said the plan was hatched in order to forcibly take over the party.
He said the judgement of the court did not ask the NLC and TUC to usurp the constitutionally guaranteed power of the National Executive Committee of the party to take decision on when to hold a national convention and to prepare the agenda.
‘’The constitution of the Labour Party does not recognise nor confer any status on the NLC and TUC.
“This was affirmed by INEC in a letter addressed to the President of NLC dated 3rd of September,2015 with reference no INEC/DEPM/LP/16T/68,” he said.
Richards also condemned the desperation of the President of the NLC and his interference in the activities of the party.
He eulogised the performance of INEC and its leadership and urged them to disregard any unlawful assemblage in the guise of calling for a national convention which is not in line with the labour party’s constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
‘’By Section 221 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999: No association order than a political party shall canvass for votes for any candidates at an election or contribute to the funds of any political party,” he said.
‘’By section 15(1) of the Trade Union Act, a trade Union is prohibited from applying its funds in furtherance of political objectives’’.
Richards also said the Labour Party according to Section 80 of the Electoral Act,2010 is a corporate body with perpetual succession with separate and distinct identity.
He added that the names and address of the national officers, as well as the constitution of the party, are registered with INEC in accordance with Section 222 of the nation’s Constitution.
He also quoted article 12 and 13 of the party’s constitution which spelt out the principal organs of our party and also the composition, functions and powers of the organs.
He, therefore, warned the leadership of the NLC and TUC to desist from further illegal action that may affect the existing peace in our society.
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