Labour Party Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Reaffirms Abure As National Chairman

The Labour Party has applauded the recent Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, declaring it a major victory for internal democracy and the rule of law within political parties.

In an official statement issued on April 24, the party reaffirmed that the ruling has solidified the legitimacy of its National Convention held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, and by extension, the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman.

According to the press release signed by Barrister Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the apex court upheld that political parties are independent entities with internal mechanisms that must be respected by members and external stakeholders alike.

The party quoted the Supreme Court as stating that internal disputes of political parties are non-justiciable—emphasizing that decisions made by organs such as the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Council (NEC), and the National Convention must be honored by all party members.

“Political parties must learn to adhere to their constitution and guidelines in the conduct of their domestic affairs,” the Supreme Court was quoted as stating.

In what appears to be a direct message to some high-profile figures in the party, the Labour Party called on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to align with the ruling and stop fueling internal divisions.

The party clarified that it complied fully with the Electoral Act, its own constitution, and INEC guidelines before conducting the March 2024 convention. It noted that notices for the convention were duly issued to INEC and that the event was peaceful, constitutional, and widely attended, with delegates ratified by the NEC.

Further defending the legitimacy of its leadership, the party highlighted that INEC has continued to engage with Abure’s leadership, including in preparations for the upcoming Edo and Ondo State governorship elections. The commission, according to the party, recognized Abure’s leadership through official correspondence and by inviting him to inspect sensitive election materials.

The statement also dismissed the purported formation of a caretaker committee during a meeting in Abia State in September 2024, stating that such a committee has no constitutional basis and was never approved by the NEC—the only organ empowered to establish party committees.

Reiterating that the Supreme Court did not nullify the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/1172/2024), which confirmed Abure’s chairmanship, the party warned against what it described as attempts to create a “false narrative” around its leadership.

“The National Working Committee elected on March 27, 2024, remains the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party. Let no one live in a fool’s paradise,” the statement concluded.

The Labour Party’s response signals a renewed push for internal unity and discipline, as the 2027 general elections draw closer.