INEC recognises Julius Abure as Labour Party national chairman

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

According to reports, this recognition follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja. On October 8, 2024, Justice Emeka Nwite upheld the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024, declaring it lawful.

The court ordered INEC to recognize the leadership of Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) elected at the convention.

INEC’s recognition of Abure was confirmed in a letter addressed to him 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.

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.

Ibrahim said: “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.”

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.