Confusion Grips Obi, Otti As INEC Recognizes Abure As LP Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised Julius Abure as Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

In a letter addressed to Barrister Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary of the Commission, Mrs Rose Oriaran- Anthony, invited them to the fourth consultative meeting with the political parties, on Thursday in Abuja.

This comes after a faction of the party enjoying the backing of the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and the governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, held a convention in Umuahia and appointed interim leadership, insisting that Abure’s tenure had expired.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday October, 8, 2024 declared that the 2024 Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, in March as valid, constitutional and in line with all laid down laws in Nigeria.

While delivering judgement, Justice Emeka Nwite compelled INEC to grant due recognition and all privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee led by Abure.

Speaking to the media after the meeting with INEC, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said that though the party was unjustly excluded from previous engagements, he was satisfied that INEC had obeyed the court order and that the party had now resumed its seat amongst the other 18 political parties.

He also said with this development, the party is set for the rest of the political activities including the Anambra governorship election as announced by the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

“With the issue of leadership now completely resolved, I urge every member of the party to rally round the Abure leadership. What transpired is only a family affairs and we will as a family work towards restoring confidence to the party and every aggrieved or misled member of the party.”

“Labour Party will come back stronger but we need everyone to join in the process of rebuilding the paper. It is a no victor nor vanquish situation. We are all winners. The party is however supreme and every member must work towards achieving set targets of the party,” Ibrahim said.