In a statement released on Tuesday, Labour Party spokesman Obiora Ifoh emphasized the ongoing dispute between the NLC and the party’s leadership regarding ownership claims, with the NLC asserting ownership of the party.
The registrar’s directive came after a letter from Labour Party national chairman Julius Abure, dated July 10, 2024. The letter, titled “Request for Your Urgent Intervention: The Need to Define the Roles of NLC,” led Amos to clarify that the NLC’s founding act does not permit it to interfere in political party activities.
Amos referenced Section 15 (1) (2) (3) of the Trade Unions Act Cap T14 & TI5 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, asserting that the NLC should not be involved in running or endorsing political parties or candidates. He also highlighted that Section 15 (1) prohibits trade unions from using members’ funds for political purposes.
“The following objectives, and no others, are political objectives for the purpose of this section, that is to say, the making of contribution towards the funds of any political party,’’ it said. “It also bars NLC from the Payment of any expenses incurred, directly or indirectly by a candidate of prospective candidate for election to any political office in Nigeria or any part of Nigeria, among other provisions.”
“I wish to urge the leadership of NLC to be guided by the above provisions of the Trade Unions Act in dealing with the Labour Party and any other political parties”, Ifoh quoted the registrar as saying.