Callistus Okafor, a claimant to the national chairmanship of the Labour Party (LP), has criticized the stakeholders’ meeting convened by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional, and merely a “jamboree.” Okafor argued that the meeting, which resulted in Senator Nenadi Usman being named the interim LP national chairman, lacks constitutional backing and serves no legitimate purpose within the party’s framework.
Okafor cited the Labour Party’s 2009 constitution, particularly Article 11, as the governing document that recognizes only four party organizations: Ward, Local Government Area, State, and National. He asserted that neither Dr. Alex Otti nor Mr. Peter Obi holds the constitutional authority to call such a meeting. Okafor also challenged Otti to present any official communication from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authorizing the meeting.
Okafor expressed a commitment to reconciling party members and groups, and emphasized the importance of organizing inclusive congresses at all levels—ward, local government, state, and national. He believes that these efforts will help unify and refocus the Labour Party, thereby redefining political leadership in Nigeria.
