Labour Party: INEC complies with court order, recognizes Abure leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure as the head of the Labour Party, following a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a letter addressed to Barrister Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, invited the Labour Party to participate in its fourth consultative meeting with political parties. This marks the first time INEC is engaging with the party under the leadership of Abure, following a prolonged legal dispute.

The decision follows an October 8, 2024 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite, which validated the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024. The court declared the convention lawful and ordered INEC to recognize the leadership of Barrister Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) elected during the event.

Speaking after the INEC meeting, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the electoral body’s compliance with the court’s ruling. He noted that, while the party had been unjustly excluded from earlier engagements, it has now regained its place among the 18 registered political parties.

“We are glad that INEC has obeyed the court order. With this, the Labour Party is ready to participate in all upcoming political activities, including the Anambra governorship election,” said Ibrahim.

Ibrahim also urged members of the party to unite under Abure’s leadership, stating that the internal disagreements were merely a family matter. He emphasized that the party is stronger following the resolution and called for collective efforts to rebuild confidence within the Labour Party.

“This is not a situation of victory or defeat. We are all winners, and the supremacy of the party must guide every member as we work towards achieving the party’s goals,” he added.