The Labour Party State Chairmen Forum has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to reject a memo proposing fresh party congresses from March 26, 2026, describing the move as unconstitutional.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the memo was allegedly sent to INEC by a caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman.
The forum, made up of state chairmen elected during congresses held on December 6, 2025, also called on INEC to sanction Usman and members of the caretaker group.
According to the statement, INEC had earlier declined Usman’s request to conduct congresses and warned that the caretaker committee could not act on behalf of the party.
Ifoh said the party’s constitution gives only the National Executive Committee (NEC) the authority to determine the date, time and guidelines for congresses.
He added that state, local government and ward executives elected in December 2025 have a four-year tenure, making plans for new congresses invalid while their mandate remains in force.
The forum further argued that a caretaker committee has no constitutional power to dissolve duly elected party structures or appoint new executives across the country.
It also urged INEC to consider designating an officer from the commission to oversee the party’s affairs if the internal dispute continues.
The Labour Party said it has already appealed the Federal High Court judgment linked to the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
