The Labour Party on Friday reaffirmed Julius Abure as its national chairman, insisting that recent media reports have misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s judgment on the party’s leadership crisis.
According to a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the apex court’s ruling upheld the long-standing legal position that party leadership disputes are internal matters beyond judicial interference.
This clarification follows the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to set aside an earlier judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that had recognized Abure’s leadership.
The court held that leadership disputes within political parties fall outside the jurisdiction of the judiciary and observed that Abure’s term had already expired based on the arguments presented.
Despite this, the court dismissed a cross-appeal by Abure’s faction, a point some interpreted as a setback to his leadership. However, Ifoh argued that the judgment does not remove Abure from office.
“The Supreme Court judgment did not sack Julius Abure.
It reinforced previous rulings from high courts and the Court of Appeal affirming the party’s authority to choose its leaders,” Ifoh stated.
He also cited the Appeal Court judgment in Labour Party vs. Ebiseni & Ors (CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024), delivered on November 13, 2024, which recognized Abure as the national chairman—a decision still in effect and unchallenged.
According to Ifoh, the Labour Party’s constitution clearly outlines the party’s leadership structure and the authority to convene national meetings.
Article 14 of the amended 2024 constitution grants the national secretary the power to call such meetings, with the chairman’s approval.
He referenced the March 27, 2024, national convention convened by the party’s leadership, during which new officers were elected.
The convention’s report has been submitted to INEC, which officially recognizes the Abure-led leadership.
Ifoh dismissed a separate gathering held in Umuahia, calling it unconstitutional and misleading.
“Claims that the Supreme Court sacked Abure are false and mischievous.
The court never said that,” he said.
The Labour Party called on members to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and resolve internal matters through the party’s structures rather than the courts.
“As of today, Barrister Julius Abure remains the national chairman of the Labour Party,” the statement concluded.
