The Deputy Governor of Abia State and Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Membership Validation of the Labour Party, Ikechukwu Emetu, has dismissed speculations of a rift between the party and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Emetu spoke in an interview with Sunday PUNCH on the sidelines of the official handover ceremony of the National Steering Committee’s progress report in Abuja.

His clarification comes amid months of speculation that the Joe Ajaero-led NLC leadership was considering dissolving the party’s National Caretaker Committee over its alleged failure to organise congresses and alleged actions capable of plunging the party into “irreparable oblivion” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the claims, Emetu insisted the party remained open and united.

“Labour Party is a national political platform. It is not a cult group where people are restricted from attending the party. So it’s a party that is for everybody.

“Concerning the alleged rift with the NLC leader, you will recall that there was a time we had a meeting, and Ajaero was there with us. So, you should be very much aware that the new Labour Party is for everyone.

“I can assure you that the trust Nigerians have in the Labour Party there in Abia State will be one they have at the national level,” he said.

Also, the Interim National Chairman of the LP, Senator Nenadi Usman, described reports of a breakdown in relations with organised labour as mere speculation.

“Let me clear the opinion that many people are speculating that the Nigerian Labour Congress is not working with us. Recall that on January 31, we had a special NEC meeting at the Abia Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro.

“On that day, both the secretaries-general of the TUC and NLC, as well as their members, were there. So, if we are quarrelling, why are we attending meetings together?

“So, there is no quarrelling or issue whatsoever. We are working together. If we are having some unresolved issues, you wouldn’t see people like Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku (Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission) here,” she stated.

In the same vein, the party’s Interim National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, maintained that there was no disagreement between the party and organised labour.

“It is not true. There is no rift between us and the NLC or the TUC. They are part of our stakeholders and as we talk, they have their representative here at this event.

“We don’t have any problem. We held our NEC meeting a few days ago, and it was all-encompassing. So, we have no problem within our rank and file at all. Everything is working together,” he said.

The Labour Party, which emerged as a major political force in the 2023 general elections, has in recent months grappled with internal leadership disputes and calls for restructuring.

However, its leaders are saying that the party remains intact and in collaboration with organised labour as it repositions ahead of 2027.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Idris Kalgo has accused President Bola Tinubu-led government of targeting opposition members for investigations, while shielding ruling APC politicians.

Speaking on Trust TV, Kalgo questioned why there is a selective enforcement of investigations forced against opposition members in Nigeria.

“Why is it only ADC members who are being pursued?”he asked.

He further criticized what he described as a double standard, pointing out that members of the ruling APC appear immune from scrutiny, while ADC members face arrests and investigations.

He said, “As long as you are a member of the APC, you are safe. You are not corrupt. But the moment you leave, you are suddenly labeled corrupt and targeted.”

He cited examples of politicians who switched parties without repercussions, including Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections, who joined the APC but continues to face no active legal consequences.

“Where is he now?” Kalgo asked.

Kalgo also referenced former APC governors, including Yahaya Bello, questioning why no immediate actions have been taken against them despite various allegations.

“We have seen attempts at arrests, even at airports, but ultimately they remain free. Why is democracy applied selectively?” he said.

“People are tired of poor governance. Nigerians want their voices heard, and leaders should allow democracy to flow,” Kalgo said.

According to Kalgo, the crackdown on ADC members is a strategic move to slow down opposition momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

“These people are capable of challenging power. That’s why they are afraid,” he asserted.

The Presidency has called for a comprehensive investigation into comments by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai regarding the alleged interception of communications belonging to Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

In an interview aired on Arise TV, El-Rufai claimed that he and other unnamed individuals listened to conversations from Ribadu’s phone after it had been tapped by a third party. While acknowledging that such interception is technically unlawful, he argued that illegal surveillance was not unusual.

“The government does it all the time. They listen to our calls without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order,” he said.

The remarks triggered swift reaction from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who warned that the allegations carry serious national security implications and must not be treated lightly.

“Nasir El-Rufai has confessed to wire-tapping Nigeria’s National Security Adviser on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?” Onanuga queried in a statement issued Friday.

He added that the Federal Government expects security agencies to determine the authenticity of the claim and establish whether any laws were violated.

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. Nasir El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law,” the presidential spokesman stated.

The development has intensified debate around surveillance practices, privacy rights and the legality of intelligence gathering in Nigeria. Analysts say the case could test the limits of security operations and accountability among political actors if formally pursued.

As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai has not issued any additional clarification beyond his television remarks, while security agencies have yet to publicly confirm whether a formal inquiry has commenced.