Labour Party Crisis: INEC Acknowledges Abure Leadership Following Court Order

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has complied with a court order recognizing Julius Abure as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party.

In a letter addressed to Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, invited the Labour Party to participate in the fourth consultative meeting with political parties.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 notes that a Federal High Court in Abuja had previously ruled that the Labour Party’s national convention, held in Nnewi in March 2024, was valid and constitutional, in accordance with Nigerian laws. Justice Emeka Nwite mandated INEC to recognize the Labour Party’s National Working Committee led by Barrister Julius Abure.

After the meeting with INEC on Thursday, the Labour Party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, expressed his satisfaction that INEC had followed the court’s directive, allowing the party to regain its place alongside the other 18 political parties.

He remarked that, despite the party’s prior exclusion from various engagements, they are now prepared for upcoming political activities, including the Anambra governorship election, as announced by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Ibrahim stated, “With the leadership issue now resolved, I urge all party members to rally around the Abure leadership. What happened is a family matter, and we will work together to restore confidence in the party.

“The Labour Party will emerge stronger, but we need everyone to be part of the rebuilding process. This is not a situation of winners and losers; we are all winners. The party is supreme, and every member must contribute to achieving our set goals.”