Julius Abure on Tuesday praised the Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that confirmed him as the legitimate national chairperson of the Labour Party, and pledged to promptly start rebuilding the party.
“In the coming days, we will focus on rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with our grassroots, and uniting our members,” Mr Abure said in a statement he posted via his X handle on Tuesday.
He added, “We will heal old wounds and emerge stronger than ever before. With the collective efforts of all members, we will continue to fight for the interests of the common man and the betterment of Nigeria.”
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In his ruling on Tuesday, Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the leadership of the Labour Party under Julius Abure and validated the March 2024 Nnewi Convention, which established the party’s national leadership.
Judge Nwite directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Abure as the legitimate chairman, countering INEC’s previous position that deemed his leadership invalid.
INEC had contended that the LP’s national convention contravened the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, claiming that the party did not meet the legal requirements to hold such a convention.
The electoral body had asserted that Abure was no longer the party’s national chairman, citing that his tenure would expire in June 2024.
Abure has been in conflict with prominent party figures, including Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, the only governor elected on the party’s platform in Nigeria.
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Last month, at a meeting convened by Governor Otti in Umuahia, the party dissolved the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) and appointed a 29-member caretaker committee, headed by former Minister of Finance Nenadi Usman, with Darlington Nwakocha, a former senator, serving as secretary.
This decision was reportedly based on a 2018 court ruling and an agreement facilitated by INEC.
Abure expressed gratitude for the ruling that reinstated him, although the opposing parties retain the right to appeal the decision.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite, for his courage and integrity in delivering a judgment that upheld justice and resisted external pressures. His well-articulated judgement has restored our faith in the judiciary and given us hope for democracy in Nigeria,” he noted.
Mr. Abure also stated that he had forgiven his opponents.
“I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail especially of my person,” he wrote, adding, “I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness must be accompanied by repentance and restitution.”
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