As the countdown to the 2027 general elections accelerates, the Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has unveiled a bold plan to expand its membership to over 20 million across Nigeria.
The initiative aims to enhance the party’s national presence and increase its political influence in the coming years.
To kick off this ambitious goal, the LP has launched an online membership registration and revalidation process to attract new members nationwide.
This effort will run concurrently with the party’s congresses, beginning at the ward and state levels.
The plans were outlined in a communiqué released after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was held virtually on Saturday.
Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, and the creation of a new Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs.
The communiqué, in part, read: “NEC approved the expansion of the party’s membership, and all current members are required to revalidate their membership. New members can register online via [link].”
The first phase of the membership exercise will begin immediately and end on January 31, 2025.
This phase aims to update the ward-level membership registers ahead of the congresses, which will take place between February and March 2025.
The party encouraged members who wish to contest for positions at the ward level to begin their preparations now.
The communiqué further outlined the positions available for election at each level of the party’s structure:
At the Ward Level: 17 positions, including Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen (one male and one female), Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, and five ex-officio members.
At the Local Government Level: 21 positions, including Chairman, four Vice-Chairmen (including one female and one representing the platform), Secretary, three Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, and five ex-officio members.
At the State Level: 29 positions, including Chairman, six Deputy Chairmen, Secretary, two Assistant Secretaries, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Legal Adviser, Auditor, Woman Leader, three Assistant Women Leaders, Youth Leader, three Assistant Youth Leaders, and five ex-officio members.
The party also announced that states meeting the basic requirements for congresses, especially with regard to membership registration, would be issued official notifications to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the congresses within the stipulated time frame.
The restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, which has already made significant strides in less than six months, will now focus on broadening the party’s base.
Additionally, the newly established Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs will be led by Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, with Ms. Aju Elumelu appointed as Secretary.
This directorate will oversee the engagement of LP members abroad and encourage participation in the congresses, including those at the ward level.
NEC also approved the formation of several new committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, Political Education Committee, and the State Elders Council.
Addressing the creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, LP National Chairman Julius Abure reiterated the party’s commitment to electoral reform.
“Labour Party was a major victim in the 2023 elections, and we are determined to push for comprehensive reforms to ensure future elections are credible, free, and fair,” he stated.
The Electoral Reform Committee will be chaired by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, with Hon. Okey Joe as Co-Chair and Dudu Manuga serving as Secretary.
The committee is expected to submit its findings within eight weeks.
Abure also spoke about the Political Education Committee, stressing the need to reorient and empower the electorate.
“We must prepare our people for active political participation. The leadership in Nigeria is a reflection of the people, and we must ensure our members are ready for meaningful engagement in governance,” he said.
The Political Education Committee will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, with Mr. Bulus Maisamari as Secretary.
Other committee members will be announced soon.
Abure reaffirmed the party’s goal of becoming Nigeria’s largest political force, with a focus on preparing for the 2027 elections.
“Nigeria has been in stagnation for too long, and the Labour Party is committed to rescuing the nation,” he declared.
