Labour Party Crisis: NLC Seeks Re-alignment, Merger ahead of 2027 Elections

*Confirm deal with FG on telecom tariffs hikeOnyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has asked its Labour Party fraction, led by the National Administrative Council (NAC), to take immediate steps to rebrand the party through merger or Coalitions to defend the interests of NLC and Nigerian workers.

On the contentious issue of hike in telecom tariffs, NLC said it reached agreement with the federal government on February 21, 2025 for the reduction of tariff hike from 50 per cent to 35 per cent.
Addressing the leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the Labour movement said it had, after due considerations, instructed the National Administrative Council, a group leading a faction of the party to explore options rebranding it, including going into merger and coalition with other political groups.

In a communiqué by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, it said: “After carefully examining the unfortunate events in the Labour Party, which was a creation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the opaqueness that pervades its activities, NEC-in-session directed the National Administrative Council (NAC) to take immediate steps which may include rebranding, merger or forming of coalitions to defend the interests of NLC and Nigerian workers in the party with a view to reclaiming the Party and returning it to its original ideological roots.”
NLC said it would not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces, who did not represent the aspirations of the working people and broader Nigerian People.

“The NLC remains committed to ensuring that the Party remains a true vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses,” it said.

While confirming its agreement reached with the federal government for the reduction of telecom tariff hike from 50 per cent to 35 percent, NLC warned that it would immediately embark on nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise.

“The NLC shall not stand idly by while the Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.

“NEC reaffirms the historical responsibility of the working class to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression. It calls on all affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to remain on high alert and fully prepared to engage in decisive mass action against all anti-people policies of the state.

“The Congress reiterates that no society can sustainably develop under a regime of corporate plunder and neo-liberal enslavement.”