The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favor of Julius Abure, declaring him the legitimate national chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
This verdict validates the 2024 Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi, which re-elected Abure, and affirms that the convention adhered to Nigeria’s laws.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Justice Emeka Nwite’s judgment mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize and grant full privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee under Abure’s leadership.
This ruling counters INEC’s earlier stance, which rejected Abure as the National Chairman, citing violations of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act during the March 2024 National Convention. The commission had argued that the Labour Party’s leadership was invalid, prompting Abure to deny allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of party funds.
*Key Highlights of the Judgment:*
– _Validation of 2024 Labour Party National Convention_: The court upheld the convention’s legitimacy, reaffirming Abure’s re-election.
– _INEC Recognition_: The commission is compelled to recognize Abure as the National Chairman and grant privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee.
– _Rejection of INEC’s Claims_: The court dismissed INEC’s arguments regarding violations of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act.
This development brings clarity to the Labour Party’s leadership structure, ending speculation and uncertainty surrounding Abure’s chairmanship.
