The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially complied with a court order directing it to recognize Barrister Julius Abure as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party.
This follows a legal battle over the party’s leadership, which was resolved by a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, INEC confirmed its recognition of Abure’s leadership in a letter addressed to him and the party’s National Secretary, Umar Ibrahim.
The commission, through its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, also extended an invitation to the Labour Party for the fourth consultative meeting with political parties.
The court had previously upheld the validity of the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024, declaring it both constitutional and legitimate.
Speaking after a meeting with INEC, Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the commission’s decision to rectify the situation, noting that the party had been unjustly excluded from earlier engagements, saying that INEC has now done the needful.
He further called on all party members to unite under the leadership of Abure, stating that the leadership tussle was a “family affair” that had been peacefully resolved.
“We must now work together to restore confidence in the party. This is not about winners or losers; the Labour Party is supreme, and all members must contribute to achieving its goals,” Ibrahim said.
The Labour Party’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the party and urged all members to participate actively in its rejuvenation, emphasizing that a united front is essential to the party’s future success.
