The Imo State faction of the Labour Party (LP), led by Callistus Ihejiagwa, has cautioned its members against participating in any party activities not officially sanctioned by its leadership.
The warning follows reports of a planned series of Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses allegedly set to begin on March 26, 2026, under the leadership of Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, which Ihejiagwa’s faction claims is in opposition to the existing leadership.
Ihejiagwa emphasized that the party considers it necessary to clarify the situation to uphold legality and protect democratic structures within LP.
The faction noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a letter dated February 16, 2026, reportedly rejected the dissolution of the State, LGA, and Ward Executive Committees nationwide. Consequently, any meetings or congresses organized outside the approved leadership are legally invalid, the faction stated.
Addressing claims that INEC officials attended the purported National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on March 17, 2026, Ihejiagwa said the presence of INEC representatives does not legitimize the meeting. “INEC acts as a regulator and observer, not a validator of illegality,” he said. “The legality of any NEC meeting depends on compliance with the Party Constitution and the Electoral Act, including proper notice, lawful authority, and quorum.”
Ihejiagwa also criticized the proposed congresses, highlighting that the March 26 schedule fails to meet the mandatory 21-day statutory notice required under the Electoral Act. He questioned the membership register to be used, noting no evidence that Usman’s group submitted it to INEC, a prerequisite for conducting valid congresses.
He reaffirmed that the State, LGA, and Ward Executive Committees elected in INEC-monitored congresses held on December 2, 4, and 6, 2025, remain valid. “As long as their tenure has not expired or been lawfully terminated, there is no vacancy to justify fresh congresses,” Ihejiagwa stated.
The LP chairman warned that any attempt by Usman and her supporters to replace existing structures would be illegal and a subversion of democratic processes.
