FINALLY, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP), following a recent court order.
In a letter addressed to Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, confirmed LP’s invitation to its forthcoming fourth consultative meeting with political parties.
This came after Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on October 8, declared that the LP’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March was both valid and constitutional and ordered INEC to grant full recognition and privileges to the LP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Abure.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting with INEC, LP’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s compliance, noting that the party was now fully reinstated among the 18 political parties.
He stressed the need for unity as the party prepares for upcoming political activities, particularly the Anambra governorship election slated for next year, saying: “Now that leadership issues are settled, I urge all party members to rally behind the Abure leadership. This is a family matter and we must work together to restore confidence within the party.”
Ibrahim was optimistic that the party would emerge stronger, calling on all members to contribute to rebuilding efforts, adding: “This is a no victor, no vanquished situation. We are all winners and the party’s supremacy must guide our collective efforts moving forward.”
Recall that the party’s stakeholders, led by its presidential candidate in last year’s general elections, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, met in Umuhia on September 4, where Senator Nenadi Usman was appointed as caretaker chairperson, following a protracted crises.
They had alleged that Abure’s tenure expired in June this year, leading to INEC stop recognising him, coupled with the alleged faulty Nnewi convention, which INEC disowned, but has now been upheld by the Abuja court.
However, the Usman-led 29 member committee has vowed to appeal the judgment
