Labour Party (LP) members are celebrating following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to invite the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, to participate in a consultative meeting with other political parties.
This move comes after INEC complied with a court ruling affirming Abure as the legitimate chairman of the party.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement released on Thursday, commended INEC for adhering to the Federal High Court order that recognized Abure’s leadership.
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Ifoh expressed the party’s appreciation for INEC’s decision, marking a significant step in restoring the rightful leadership of the Labour Party.
Ifoh stated, “INEC has finally complied with the court order that mandates recognition of Barrister Julius Abure as the rightful leader of the Labour Party.”
He further explained that INEC’s letter, signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, invited Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim to a meeting with other political parties.
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This follows the ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, delivered on October 8, 2024, which upheld the validity of the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024.
The court ruling also compelled INEC to recognize the leadership of the party under Abure and grant them the privileges accorded to the National Working Committee.
After the meeting with INEC, Labour Party National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the commission’s compliance.
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He acknowledged that while the party had previously been excluded from engagements, it was now fully reinstated alongside the other 18 political parties.
Ibrahim stated, “With the leadership issue resolved, we are now ready for the remaining political activities, including preparations for the Anambra governorship election.”
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He urged party members to unite under Abure’s leadership and put the past behind them, referring to the recent internal conflicts as a “family affair.”
He emphasized the importance of rebuilding the party, calling for collective efforts to strengthen its foundation.
“There is no victor or vanquished in this situation,” Ibrahim said.
“We are all winners, and the focus should now be on achieving the goals of the Labour Party.”
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The party’s leadership expressed optimism about moving forward and regaining its position on the political landscape with a renewed sense of unity and purpose.
