Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed Barrister Julius Abure’s position as the Chairman of the Labour Party in a ruling delivered on Tuesday. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize the National Working Committee led by Abure. Justice Nwite validated the party’s National Convention held on March 27 in Nnewi, which had resulted in Abure’s re-election along with other executives.

In his decision, Justice Nwite emphasized that the defendants failed to challenge the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership effectively, stating, “The plaintiff has proved his case.” He further ordered that the Labour Party, under Abure’s leadership, should be accorded all rights and privileges as a duly registered political party in Nigeria.

This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of tension within the party, as Abure’s leadership accused the party’s presidential candidate from the last election, Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, of disloyalty. They claimed Otti formed a caretaker committee headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, undermining the established leadership.

INEC, in a counter-affidavit submitted in response to the Labour Party’s legal action, had distanced itself from Abure, arguing that his term as National Chairman would not be recognized beyond June 2024. They asserted that the Labour Party lacked a legitimate leadership, which led to its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for party agents in the upcoming Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Abure expressed gratitude for the court’s support of the rule of law, declaring the judgment a triumph for justice and democracy. He thanked God for the outcome and praised Justice Nwite for his integrity and courage in making a decision that upheld justice despite external pressures.

Abure also recognized the contributions of other judges, including Justice Omotosho, who previously validated the Labour Party’s Nnewi convention, and Justice C. K. Nwankwo of the Abia High Court, who resisted attempts to impose interim orders against him and the party.

He urged reconciliation among party members who attempted to undermine the leadership, expressing hope that they would acknowledge their wrongs and work towards healing within the party. Abure called upon Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, to assist in uniting the party moving forward.

Looking ahead, Abure acknowledged the need for restructuring and healing within the Labour Party, expressing optimism about reconnecting with grassroots members and focusing on the collective goal of serving the Nigerian populace effectively. He stated, “This judgment marks the beginning of a new era for the Labour Party in Nigeria,” assuring that the party would emerge stronger through unity and shared efforts