In a significant ruling that underscores another setback for the Obidient movement and Peter Obi, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed Julius Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party. This landmark judgment validates the leadership established during the March 2024 Nnewi convention, officially recognizing Abure’s authority over the party.
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Justice Nwite ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially acknowledge Abure as the rightful chairman, directly contradicting INEC’s earlier stance, which deemed his leadership invalid. In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated, “The plaintiff has proved his case,” emphasizing the compelling evidence presented during the proceedings.
The court also instructed INEC to extend all rights and privileges to the Labour Party under Abure’s leadership as a registered political entity in Nigeria. This decision marks a critical victory for the party, which has faced challenges to its leadership and organizational structure.
Previously, INEC had argued that the Labour Party’s national convention was unconstitutional and did not fulfill legal requirements, asserting that Abure’s tenure would expire in June 2024. This position arose in response to a lawsuit from the Labour Party, contesting its exclusion from INEC’s training for party agents ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. INEC’s legal team maintained that the party had not demonstrated compliance with necessary legal standards for their convention, thus lacking valid leadership.
The ruling is expected to reshape the political landscape for the Labour Party as it prepares for future electoral challenges, reaffirming Abure’s leadership amid ongoing disputes within the party. This decision may provide a renewed sense of direction and stability for the party as it navigates the upcoming elections.