The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has complied with a Federal High Court ruling, officially recognising Barrister Julius Abure as the substantive National Chairman of the Labour Party. This development marks a turning point in the leadership dispute that has rocked the party for months.
In a letter addressed to Barrister Abure and the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, INEC invited the party to its fourth consultative meeting with other political parties. This invitation, extended by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, signifies that INEC is now prepared to work with the Abure-led National Working Committee.
This recognition follows the ruling made by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which upheld the Labour Party’s March 2024 national convention in Nnewi as valid and constitutional. The court compelled INEC to recognise Julius Abure as the legitimate chairman of the Labour Party.
Court Ruling Ends Leadership Crisis
The legal battle for the leadership of the Labour Party began earlier this year, leading to confusion and division within the party. Several factions, including supporters of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, were at odds over who should lead the party.
Justice Nwite’s ruling on October 8, 2024, confirmed that the Nnewi convention, which saw the re-election of Abure as chairman, was in line with Nigerian law. The court declared that INEC must recognise and grant all privileges to the National Working Committee led by Abure.
This decision has been hailed as a victory for the Labour Party, with party leaders expressing satisfaction that the leadership crisis has finally been resolved.
INEC’s Compliance Brings Stability
Following the court’s ruling, INEC wasted no time in complying. The electoral body’s invitation to the consultative meeting with political parties represents a return to normalcy for the Labour Party, which had been sidelined from previous engagements.
Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, expressed relief at INEC’s recognition of the court order. Speaking to journalists, Ibrahim noted that the party had been unjustly excluded from several key political activities due to the leadership tussle but was now ready to move forward.
“We are satisfied that INEC has obeyed the court order. With this, the Labour Party can now fully participate in all political activities, including the upcoming Anambra governorship election,” Ibrahim said.
Anambra Governorship Election in Focus
With the leadership issue now behind them, the Labour Party is setting its sights on the Anambra State governorship election. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had earlier announced the timeline for the election, and the Labour Party is expected to play a major role in the political contest.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of unity within the party, urging all members to rally behind Abure’s leadership and focus on the tasks ahead. He acknowledged that the leadership crisis had caused divisions but insisted that the party would emerge stronger.
“With the issue of leadership now completely resolved, I urge every member of the party to rally around the Abure leadership. What transpired was a family affair, and we will work as a family to restore confidence in the party. Labour Party will come back stronger, and we need everyone to join in the process of rebuilding the party,” Ibrahim added.
A Call for Unity
The Labour Party’s leadership crisis had led to a series of court cases, public disputes, and internal conflicts. At the height of the crisis, the Abure-led faction accused Peter Obi and Alex Otti of betrayal, further complicating the situation.
However, the recent court ruling has paved the way for reconciliation within the party. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, described the resolution of the crisis as a “no victor, no vanquished” situation.
“We are all winners in this. The party is supreme, and every member must work towards achieving the set targets of the party,” Ifoh said in a statement. He also called on aggrieved members to return to the fold and contribute to rebuilding the party.
A History of Disputes
The leadership crisis within the Labour Party can be traced back to internal disagreements following the 2023 general elections. After Peter Obi’s presidential run, several factions within the party began to push for changes in leadership, leading to the suspension of Julius Abure by the Edo State chapter of the party.
The suspension was followed by a court order from the Federal Capital Territory High Court, which temporarily barred Abure and other national officers from parading themselves as leaders of the Labour Party. This order, combined with INEC’s initial refusal to recognise Abure, deepened the crisis.
Despite these challenges, the Labour Party managed to hold its national convention in Nnewi in March 2024, where Abure was re-elected as chairman. The convention, however, was disputed by rival factions, leading to the legal battle that culminated in Justice Nwite’s ruling.
Moving Forward
With the court’s ruling now in place and INEC’s compliance secured, the Labour Party can begin to rebuild. The leadership crisis has tested the party’s strength, but there is hope that the resolution will lead to greater unity and focus ahead of future elections.
The Labour Party is determined to play a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape, and with the leadership dispute settled, attention can now turn to delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people.
