The Independent National Electoral Commission has been directed by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to acknowledge Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party.
In addition to confirming Mr. Abure’s position as the party chairman, Justice Nwite’s ruling on Tuesday mandated that the electoral body acknowledge the party’s national convention, which took place in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March 2024. This decision comes after a legal battle between different factions within the Labour Party, with Mr. Abure’s faction claiming legitimacy following the convention. The court’s ruling is expected to bring clarity and stability to the leadership of the party moving forward.
Remember that INEC insisted that Mr. Abure’s re-election at the convention was illegal under the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution, which is why they refused to recognize him as the party chairman. Then, in advance of the governorship elections in the states of Edo and Ondo, the electoral authority barred his side from its refresher course for party agents.
In response, Mr. Abure filed a counter-affidavit against INEC for the exclusion and charged betrayal against both Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, and Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of his party in the general elections of 2023. However, INEC asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the party was not entitled to the requested remedy.
In May, a Federal Capital Territory High Court issued a prohibition against Mr. Abure, the National Secretary, and Farouk Ibrahim, the National Organising Director. Clement Ojukwu, the secretary, and Oluchi Opara, the treasurer, from presenting themselves as the party’s national officers.
