The interim National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Mrs Nenadi Usman, has warned Nigerians and party supporters to ignore anyone demanding payment for the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
Usman gave the warning on Monday during the unveiling of the Labour Party’s e-registration portal in Abuja, insisting that registration into the party is completely free.
The event was attended by stakeholders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Speaking with journalists, the LP chairman explained that the electronic registration initiative was introduced to simplify membership documentation and strengthen the party’s internal structure ahead of future congresses and the national convention.
“I can attest to the fact that you didn’t need to pay anyone to do this registration. Nigerians are not being asked to pay money to do this registration,” she said.
“So anybody who says that online anywhere is probably a thief, if I should use that word.”
Usman clarified that while party members may voluntarily pay dues through a designated link on the registration portal, payment is not a condition for becoming a member of the party.
“There is a page there where if you need to pay your dues as a member of the Labour Party, you click a link on the page, and it takes you to where you pay your dues.
“But you are not required to pay a dime to do this registration to become a member of the Labour Party. It is absolutely free of charge,” she added.
According to her, the e-registration process will help the party create a transparent and credible membership database across the country.
She disclosed that the exercise would lead to ward, state and zonal congresses before the party eventually holds a national convention to elect members of its National Working Committee.
Usman also brushed aside concerns about internal disagreements within the party, saying the Labour Party remained focused on strengthening its structures and expanding its membership base.
“Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but for us as a Labour Party, we are not going to waste time arguing about who is saying what or doing what,” she stated.
“We are just going to face the issue of the day, which is e-registration, and we will get it done.”
Describing the Labour Party as a platform built on social justice and equal opportunities, Usman expressed confidence that Nigerians, especially workers, would embrace the exercise massively.
“Almost every Nigerian worker believes in the Labour Party and is willing to register. I assure you that what will take other political parties three weeks to do wouldn’t take us more than a week, and we will be ready,” she said.