The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
Naija News reports that this is following a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Recall that on October 8, 2024, Justice Emeka Nwite, validated the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024.
The court declared the convention lawful and ordered INEC to recognize the leadership of Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) elected during the event.
INEC’s decision to recognise Abure was disclosed in a letter addressed to Barrister Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim.
INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, invited the Labour Party to participate in its fourth consultative meeting with political parties.
This marks the first time INEC is engaging with the party under the leadership of Abure, following a prolonged legal dispute.
Speaking after the INEC meeting, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the electoral body’s compliance with the court’s ruling.
He noted that, while the party had been unjustly excluded from earlier engagements, it has now regained its place among the 18 registered political parties.
Ibrahim said: “We are glad that INEC has obeyed the court order. With this, the Labour Party is ready to participate in all upcoming political activities, including the Anambra governorship election.”
Ibrahim also urged members of the party to unite under Abure’s leadership, stating that the internal disagreements were merely a family matter.
He emphasized that the party is stronger following the resolution and called for collective efforts to rebuild confidence within the Labour Party.
“This is not a situation of victory or defeat. We are all winners, and the supremacy of the party must guide every member as we work towards achieving the party’s goals,” he added.