By Lanre Oloyede
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has finally obeyed the court order compelling it to recognize the Barrister Julius Abure leadership of the Labour Party.
According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, this was disclosed in a letter addressed to Barrister Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, by the Secretary of the Commission, Rose Oriaran- Anthony, inviting the Labour Party to the fourth consultative meeting with the political parties.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday October, 8, 2024 had earlier declared that the 2024 Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi in March was valid, constitutional and in line with all laid down laws in Nigeria.
In a judgement made by Justice Emeka Nwite while delivering the judgement went further to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to grant due recognition and all privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee as led by Barrister Julius 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 but that he was satisfied that INEC has obeyed the court order and that the party has now resumed seat amongst the other 18 political parties.
He also said that 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.
He said, “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 affair 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.”