The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Julius Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgement, confirming Abure’s leadership and upholding the outcome of the party’s March 2024 National Convention held in Nnewi.
Justice Nwite also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize Abure as the official chairman of the party, rejecting INEC’s earlier claim that Abure’s leadership was invalid.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated, “The plaintiff has proved his case. I hereby make an order compelling the defendant to accord the Labour Party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure all the rights and privileges due to a duly registered political party in Nigeria.”
INEC had initially argued that the Labour Party’s convention violated the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission claimed that Abure’s tenure as chairman had expired in June 2024 and refused to recognize the March convention that re-elected him. INEC also cited these reasons when excluding the Labour Party from certain election preparations for Edo and Ondo states.
However, the court dismissed INEC’s arguments, ruling in favor of Abure. The decision means that the Labour Party’s leadership remains valid, and INEC is required to work with the party’s recognized leaders moving forward.
