Politics

Abure remains Labour Party chairman, court tells INEC

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2024

National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure

Abure remains Labour Party chairman, court tells INEC

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja has affirmed Barrister Julius Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Nwite ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Abure-led National Working Committee of the party.

Justice Nwite also validated the March 27 National convention of the party, at Nnewi, which returned Abure and other executives into office.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite said, “I am of the view and so hold that the basis of these cogent verifiable documents, the defendants’ attempt to impeach the validity of the leadership of the plaintiff fails.

The plaintiff has proved his case

“I hereby make an order compelling the defendant to accord the plaintiff’s political party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in Nigeria.” Justice Nwite held.

The Abure-led leadership of the party had on Sept 18 accused the party’s presidential candidate in the last election and Abia state governor, Alex. Otii of betrayal, by brushing aside the leadership, and proceeding to appoint a caretaker committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman.

Meanwhile, INEC had disowned Abure in a counter-affidavit filed at the Federal High Court Abuja in response to the party’s suit challenging its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

The electoral body told the court that the exclusion was because the LP did not have a recognised leadership, as Abure’s tenure as National Chairman expired in June 2024.

According to INEC, “it only speaks to Chairmen and Secretaries of political parties,” and the party had failed to meet the standard requirements.

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Shortly after the court judgment, Abure said the court had demonstrated its stand for the rule of law, restoring him as chairman, despite pressures from the opposition.

He said “This victory is not just mine, but a victory for justice and democracy. It confirms that the rule of law prevails and that our party’s leadership remains legitimate. For this, I must first and foremost thank Almighty God for guiding us through this challenging period.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite, for his courage and integrity in delivering a judgment that upheld justice and resisted external pressures. His well-articulated
judgment has restored our faith in the judiciary and given us hope for democracy in Nigeria.

“I must also appreciate Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who had earlier validated the Labour Party’s convention held in Nnewi. His judgment became the foundation for other rulings, reflecting the strength and fairness of our judicial system.

“Additionally, Justice C. K. Nwankwo of the Abia High Court also deserves recognition for resisting pressure and avoiding granting a kangaroo interim and interlocutory orders against me and the party. Some individuals, whose names I choose not to mention, attempted to secure these orders but failed. These judges have set an admirable precedent for upholding justice in the face of adversity and huge inducement

“They sought to restrain us, as National Executive Committee members of the party, from even speaking to the press. Thankfully, the courts technically avoided granting such orders and justice prevailed.

“Now that the court has spoken, I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail, especially of my person.

“However, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, I say, “I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness must be accompanied by repentance and restitution.

“It is my sincere hope that those involved in these actions will reflect on their mistakes, come forward with a repentant heart, and reconcile themselves with the party. In doing so, they should also consider restitution for the damages they have caused us. Only then can we truly move forward, heal our party, and work for the common good of Nigeria.

“Be that as it may, I call on Peter Obi, the former Presidential candidate of our party to help unite the party.

“This judgment marks the beginning of a new era for the Labour Party in Nigeria.” “There is no question that the party will need restructuring and healing, but I assure you that our doors are open to all. In the coming days, we will focus on rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with our grassroots, and uniting our members. We will heal old wounds and emerge stronger than ever before. With the collective efforts of all members, we will continue to fight for the interests of the common man and the betterment of Nigeria.” he said.

Abure remains Labour Party chairman, court tells INEC

Politics

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Published

5 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Trends Admin

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has opted to remain silent on the ongoing internal crisis within the party.

During a press briefing held at his residence on Miller Road in Kano on Tuesday afternoon, Kwankwaso was asked by journalists to address the situation, but he firmly stated that he had no comments regarding the issue.

The NNPP, which has gained significant political traction in recent years, has been experiencing internal challenges, especially at the state level.

However, Kwankwaso’s decision to refrain from speaking publicly on the matter has left many speculating about the next steps for the party and its leadership.

“I don’t want to talk please. Don’t drag me into what I am not supposed to be dragged into. The chairman of the party has spoken and has been speaking, reach out to him,” he said.

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Newstrends reported that there has been an internal crisis between parties which resulted in the suspension of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and the Commissioner of transportation, Muhammad Diggol.

According to the party chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the suspension followed alleged disrespect to the party, abuse of power, office and disloyalty to the party.

Recall that the suspension came barely an hour after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led a reconciliation between the SSG and the aggrieved members of his constituency.

The SSG had also dissociated himself from the ongoing campaign instigating the separation of Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso under the guise of ‘Abba Tsaya da Kafarka’ meaning; Abba stand on your feet.

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Politics

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Trends Admin

IIiya Umar Damagum

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Indications emerged on Tuesday that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been offered an opportunity to step down from his position next week.

Newstrends gathered that the decision was reached by the party’s governors yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Sources privy to the details of the meeting and a virtual gathering held earlier on Monday, stated that the governors were rattled by the factionalisation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and resolved to unite for preservation of the party.

At yesterday’s meeting, convened before the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo State, it was gathered that the governors agreed to allow Damagum to retain his position as acting national chairman until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.

Newstrends gathered that the acting chairman, Damagum and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) were present at the meeting. Also present were the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Balam Mohammed, along with governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among other party chieftains.

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Yesterday’s meeting was a continuation of the PDP Governors’ Forum’s virtual meeting which took place on Monday. During the meeting of Monday, Governor Adeleke reportedly expressed disappointment over how the crisis had led to the factionalisation of the NWC, expressing fears that it could negatively impact his bid for a second term in 2026, being the first among the party’s first-term governors to be up for a re-election.

Adeleke reportedly challenged Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for not supporting the North-Central’s bid to retain the chairmanship, despite being from the zone and also a first-term governor.

Mutfwang reportedly replied that based on recent developments, he was now in favour of a chairman emerging from the North-Central, following the party’s constitution to resolve the impasse.

Mutfwang, alongside governors Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is believed to have initially opposed Damagum’s removal. This quartet is thought to be allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom Damagum has allegedly been supporting.

However, it was gathered that Makinde, believed to be the leader of the quartet, proposed at the virtual meeting of Monday that even if Damagum were to leave, he should be given a soft landing. Consequently, the meeting was postponed to yesterday to include Damagum.

The governors also agreed that while Damagum continues as acting chairman for the next few days, the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be used to ratify the North-Central’s nomination for the position. The NEC meeting will also discuss potential dates for a national convention.

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Politics

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

Published

20 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Trends Admin

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has lifted the suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), along with several other senior party members.

This decision came after a prolonged meeting that included the state executive committee, party members of the state Assembly, and local government leaders.

The meeting primarily focused on resolving the internal conflict resulting from the suspension of key figures in the Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama, and Yenagoa local government areas.

Those previously suspended included notable individuals like Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon, the APC’s governorship candidate in the 2019 election

Following a press conference on October 15 at the APC secretariat in Yenagoa, a communique was issued.

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Signed by Chief Dennis Otiotio-Odoni, the state chairman, and Acting State Secretary Owutuamo Tamaranpreye, the statement confirmed that the suspensions were rescinded after a request from the minority caucus of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and thorough discussions within the party.

The communique outlined the party’s decision to defer the ratification of the suspensions to allow for additional consultations with key stakeholders, following recommendations from the APC caucus in the state Assembly.

Additionally, the extended executive committee and the APC Assembly Caucus condemned the recent actions of the Bayelsa Commissioner for Power, Mr. Kharin Kumoku, who reportedly led a group of individuals to attempt an attack on the APC state secretariat.

The party urged Governor Douye Diri to address the issue by cautioning the commissioner and called on both the Commissioner of Police, Francis A. Idu, and the state Director of DSS to investigate the incident.

The Bayelsa APC emphasized its dedication to democratic values and expressed its intent to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue.

The party also encouraged members and stakeholders to uphold decorum, stressing the importance of unity for the party’s success in the state.