By Comrade Abbas Ibrahim
After months of legal and political contest, the Labour Party appears to be returning to the control of its founding base, Nigeria’s organized labour movement and grassroots supporters.
The party was originally established with strong backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria to provide workers, professionals, and ordinary citizens with a political platform that represents their interests.
However, the party’s recent popularity attracted many political actors, creating internal struggles over leadership and direction. The dispute eventually reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose ruling on 5th April, 2025, reaffirmed the need for parties to operate according to their constitutions and internal democratic principles.
For labour leaders, the development represents an opportunity to rebuild the party around its original ideology of social justice and people centered governance.
To prevent future hijack, stakeholders say the party must strengthen internal democracy, ensure transparent primaries, and create institutional roles for labour organizations in its decision making structures. Clear membership verification and strong disciplinary measures will also be necessary to discourage opportunistic infiltration.
Beyond internal reforms, Labour Party leaders believe the real task is rebuilding grassroots structures across the country. Mobilizing trade unions, youth groups, professionals, and community networks will be key to transforming the party into a strong mass movement.
Political observers say the coming months will determine whether the party can consolidate its base and maintain its identity as a genuine workers’ platform.
For many supporters, the moment represents more than a leadership victory, it is a chance to restore the Labour Party’s founding mission as the political voice of Nigeria’s working people. At last , Labour Party has returned to its roots, hence the need for persistent drive for Reform, Visibility and Mobilization to guard against political hijack, ” A stitch in Time Saves Nine” ” Forward Ever”
*Comrade Abbas Ibrahim is Assistant Secretary, NLC, Kano Council and National Trustee Zone A,* *Nigeria Union of Journalists.**