By Abiola Olawale
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has commended a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which affirmed him as the leader of the party.
Abure, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, declared that the court judgment has reaffirmed the legitimacy of his leadership and as well the National convention that produced him as the National Chairman for the second term.
He also stated that the victory is a symbol that justice and democracy will always prevail.
He said: “It is with immense gratitude and a heart full of forgiveness that I issue this statement following our significant victory at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has reaffirmed our leadership by upholding the outcome of the Labour Party convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State and consequently compelled INEC to give due recognition to the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure.
“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
judgement 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.”
Abure also called on the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, among other stakeholders to join him in uniting the party.
He continued: “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.”
It would be recalled that the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declared
Abure as the substantive National Chairman of the Labour Party.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party.
Justice Nwite on Tuesday delivered that the March 2024 Nnewi convention of the Party that produced the national leadership was valid and in line with the law.
The judgment came after the INEC had declared that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the party.
The electoral body disclosed that it no longer recognises the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Abure.
INEC argued that the party’s leadership, including Abure, was invalid and that the March 2024 National Convention that re-elected Abure as chairman violated both the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.
It would be recalled also the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State had communicated with the national chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, regarding the organization of a fresh national convention aimed at electing a new chairman for the party.
Obi and Otti, in the letter, informed Yakubu of the constitution of a 29-member caretaker committee saddled with the responsibility of organising state congresses and a national convention for the Labour Party.
In the letter, Obi and Otti explained that the decision to constitute the caretaker committee was taken following the leadership crisis rocking the party.
