Abure remains Labour Party chairman, court tells INEC

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.