The Labour Party State Chairmen Forum has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject a memo from Senator Nenadi Usman and her group proposing a fresh party congress.

The memo, reportedly issued by the party’s Caretaker Committee, sought to hold new congresses from March 26, 2026. The State Chairmen Forum described it as unconstitutional and in violation of Nigerian laws.

Obiora Ifoh, factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, said the memo ignored party rules. “It has not complied with the constitution of the party and other laws of the land,” he stated.

The forum consists of all state chairmen elected during the party’s December 6, 2025, congresses. INEC had previously denied Nenadi’s request to hold congresses and warned that the caretaker committee lacks authority to act on behalf of the party.

Ifoh reiterated that Senator Usman was never formally a party member, arguing that her lack of understanding of party procedures invalidates her actions.

He emphasized that only the National Executive Council (NEC) is empowered to set dates, rules, and procedures for party congresses. Additionally, the tenure of state, local government, and ward executives—elected in December 2025—is four years, making calls for a new congress premature.

The forum highlighted INEC’s February 16, 2025, letter to Usman, which clarified that the caretaker committee had no recognized authority to dissolve elected party executives or appoint new committees.

The State Chairmen Forum urged INEC to consider appointing an officer to oversee Labour Party affairs to prevent further unauthorized actions.

“This March 3 memo from Senator Usman was dead on arrival,” Ifoh said, calling it unlawful and an aberration that undermines the party’s constitutionally protected structures.

The forum concluded that party tenure is sacrosanct under Labour Party rules, and no caretaker committee has the legal authority to override elected executives across Nigeria.