Federal High Court Declares Labour Party’s 2024 National Convention Valid

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the Labour Party’s 2024 national convention, held in Nnewi in March, valid and constitutional. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, affirmed that the convention followed all legal protocols and was in line with Nigeria’s laws. This decision brings a significant victory for the Labour Party, especially for its leadership under Barrister Julius Abure, whose position had been under contention.

Justice Nwite also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize the Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Abure. The court’s ruling compels INEC to reinstate all rights, privileges, and recognitions to the Abure-led executive, which had been in limbo following earlier disputes.

INEC’s Position on Labour Party Leadership

The legal dispute between the Labour Party and INEC stems from the commission’s initial refusal to acknowledge the outcome of the party’s 2024 convention. INEC had earlier stated that the tenure of Barrister Julius Abure and his executive team had expired by the end of June 2024. This assertion followed the Labour Party’s exclusion from INEC’s training for party agents, an essential preparation ahead of the upcoming Ondo governorship elections.

INEC invalidated the Labour Party’s leadership, citing violations of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission’s stance was also influenced by internal party struggles, as Abure had been suspended by the Edo State Executive Committee in May 2024. This suspension raised questions about the legitimacy of his leadership and the decisions made under his administration.

Labour Party’s Legal Challenge and Implications

In response to INEC’s actions, the Labour Party mounted a legal challenge to restore its leadership and assert the validity of its March 2024 convention. The court’s ruling not only resolves the leadership crisis but also reaffirms Abure’s authority as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The decision has far-reaching implications for the party, particularly as it prepares for key gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, noting that it marks a victory for internal democracy within the party. The court’s decision strengthens the party’s position as it moves forward, giving it the legal backing to fully participate in the political process, including upcoming elections. INEC’s compliance with the ruling is now awaited, as the Labour Party seeks to consolidate its leadership under Abure ahead of future electoral engagements.

Peter Obi’s Supporters and the ‘Obedient’ Movement React

The court ruling has stirred mixed reactions among members of the LP, particularly within the ‘Obedient’ movement, a faction strongly loyal to Peter Obi. While some party members welcome the decision as a victory for democracy, others have expressed concerns that Abure’s continued leadership could undermine Peter Obi’s influence within the party. Many Obi supporters took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, fearing that Abure’s leadership might shift the party’s focus away from Obi’s political agenda.

One prominent X user remarked, “Who is Julius Abure without His Excellency Peter Obi? The day Obi leaves the party, Labour Party will fade into irrelevance.” Another user added, “Nobody knew LP until Peter Obi came on board. If Obi leaves, no one will remember the party.” Despite the frustrations, there were also calls for unity, with some members urging the party to rally together and move forward under Abure’s leadership.

A Victory for Democracy, Calls for Unity Within Labour Party

Despite the divisions, many political observers see the court ruling as a step towards stabilizing the Labour Party ahead of the 2024 general elections. National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh described the court’s decision as a victory for democracy and urged all party members to respect the ruling and work together for the party’s future.

“We must move forward as a united party,” Ifoh stated, calling on all factions to put aside their differences. Meanwhile, party members like Governor Alex Otti and Peter Obi continue to work behind the scenes to resolve ongoing leadership disputes, with the goal of presenting a unified front before the upcoming elections. For now, the LP remains in the spotlight, as its ability to navigate internal power struggles could determine its future political success.