The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party on its official records, despite a recent Supreme Court judgment that has sparked controversy over his leadership status.
A search by DAILY GAZETTE shows that Abure’s name is still listed on the Commission’s official website.
The Supreme Court’s ruling addressed the internal leadership dispute within the Labour Party, emphasizing that such matters are internal affairs and beyond the jurisdiction of the court.
Consequently, the court set aside previous judgments from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that had recognized Abure as the party’s National Chairman.
In response to the judgment, the Labour Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, asserted that the Supreme Court did not remove Abure from his position.
The party interpreted the ruling as an affirmation that leadership issues are to be resolved internally, thereby upholding Abure’s chairmanship.
However, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and other stakeholders have criticized Abure’s continued claim to the chairmanship.
They argue that the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Abure’s cross-appeal and the declaration that his tenure had expired effectively nullify his leadership claim.
Amid these conflicting interpretations, INEC has stated that it is reviewing the Supreme Court’s ruling to determine its implications for the Labour Party’s leadership structure.
The Commission’s decision to retain Abure’s name as the party’s National Chairman on its records has further fueled the debate over the rightful leadership of the party.
