KEHINDE FAJOBI
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday upheld Julius Abure as the authentic National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), reaffirming the October 8 Federal High Court ruling in his favour.
In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant all rights and privileges due to the party under Abure’s leadership.
Justice Emeka Nwite’s judgment, which recognised Abure’s chairmanship, was deemed valid by the appellate court.
The Labour Party’s leadership crisis began when its National Executive Committee (NEC) removed Abure and replaced him with a 29-member caretaker committee chaired by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, with Hon. Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary.
This decision, taken during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia hosted by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, was also supported by Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Dissatisfied with his removal, Abure approached the Federal High Court, providing evidence that he had been lawfully elected National Chairman at a National Executive Council meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, on March 29, 2021.
He argued that his leadership was further validated at subsequent meetings and the party’s National Convention in March 2024.
Justice Nwite ruled in Abure’s favour, stating, “The plaintiff has proved his case. I hereby make an order compelling the defendant to accord the plaintiff’s political party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in Nigeria.”
The Appeal Court’s ruling solidifies Abure’s position and directs INEC to ensure his recognition and compliance with the court order.