The Julius Abure-led Labour Party on Monday made an audacious move to expand its membership to over 20 million through an online membership registration and revalidation exercise in preparation for the 2027 elections.
In the same vein, the opposition party has announced a timetable for its congresses, starting at the ward and state levels, which will run concurrently with the membership revalidation process. This was disclosed in a communiqué issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, following the party’s National Executive Council meeting, held virtually on Saturday.
Ifoh stated that the initiative was aimed at strengthening the presence of the party and boosting its political influence nationwide. The communiqué partly read, “In its desire to exceed a membership size of 20 million before the 2027 general elections, NEC approved the need to expand the membership of the party, and all members are required to revalidate their membership. New members can register online.
“The first phase of this exercise will commence immediately and end on January 31, 2025. This online registration will update the ward register ahead of the congresses. Ward congresses will be held between February and March 2025.”
Members interested in contesting for positions at the ward level should begin preparations now.” Addressing the creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, Abure emphasised the party’s commitment to pursuing electoral reforms in Nigeria.
He stated, “The Labour Party was a major victim in the 2023 general elections, and we are determined to pursue comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure that future elections are credible, fair, and transparent.”
The committee will be chaired by Benedict Etanabene, who will be supported by Okey Joe as co-chair and Dudu Manuga serving as secretary. The committee is expected to submit its report within eight weeks. In conclusion, Abure reaffirmed the party’s determination to reposition itself as the largest political brand in Nigeria, preparing for future political engagements.
“Nigeria has remained in the doldrums for too long, and we are determined to rescue the nation,” he stated.
