A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favor of the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on March 24, 2024.
The court declared the convention valid, constitutional, and in line with Nigeria’s laws.
The convention, which re-elected Barrister Julius Abure as the party’s National Working Committee leader, was previously denounced by the Labour Party and the Nigeria Labour Congress. Abure’s leadership was also suspended.
However, the court’s verdict compels the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize and grant privileges to Abure’s National Working Committee.
Consequently, “Justice Emeka Nwite, (who) while delivering the judgement, went further to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to grant due recognition and all privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee as led by Barrister Julius Abure”, Obiora Ifo, factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, said in a statement on Tuesday.
This development may impact the party’s future, particularly given the existing interim leadership appointed by stakeholders, including Peter Obi and Alex Otti. The interim leadership, led by Senator Nanedi Usman, has 90 days to convene congresses and elect a substantive national executive leadership.
The court’s decision is seen as a significant win for Abure’s faction, but its implications on the party’s unity and direction remain uncertain.
The Labour Party’s internal conflict has sparked concerns about its ability to maintain a united front ahead of future elections. As the party navigates this challenge, the court’s verdict is likely to face scrutiny from various stakeholders.
