Labour Party Rejects INEC’s Removal of Abure-Led Executives, Vows Legal Appeal

Labour Party Rejects INEC’s Removal of Abure-Led Executives, Vows Legal Appeal

The Labour Party (LP) has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s removal of the Julius Abure-led faction’s executives from its official portal as “strange and unacceptable”, pledging to appeal the decision in court.

In a statement on Saturday, Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Abure-aligned faction, condemned INEC’s action, which followed a Federal High Court ruling recognising the rival Nenadi Usman-led caretaker leadership. Ifoh argued that the removal violates the party’s constitution and democratic principles, warning that the decision attempts to “strangle and monetise democracy.”

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The LP faction expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will overturn the lower court ruling. Ifoh also criticised members of the Usman-led faction — including Senator Nenadi Usman and Abia State Governor Alex Otti — for prematurely celebrating their names appearing on INEC’s portal. “Any perceived victory is temporary,” he said, emphasising that the Abure-led faction remains committed to democratic principles.

According to Ifoh, the faction’s appeal is motivated by the party’s founding ideology, rooted in social democracy and inclusivity, which he said is undermined by concentrating power in the hands of a few. He also accused opponents of bypassing due process in forming the caretaker committee, claiming violations of both the Labour Party constitution and the Electoral Act.

The controversy comes amid an ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party, which has seen multiple court rulings and factional disputes. INEC updated its portal to reflect the Usman-led faction, intensifying the internal conflict and prompting the Abure faction’s formal response.

Party members were urged to remain calm, stay loyal to democratic principles, and await the judicial review to determine the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party.

Labour Party Rejects INEC’s Removal of Abure-Led Executives, Vows Legal Appeal