The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr. Julius Abure, has strongly asserted that the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the party’s leadership conflict did not remove him from office nor declare his position vacant.
In a media briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, Abure, speaking through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, clarified that the Supreme Court’s judgment merely reaffirmed the party’s National Convention held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, and did not disrupt his leadership.
Abure criticized some party members who, in his view, were seeking to take control by misinterpreting the ruling.
He explained that the judgment emphasized that the internal affairs of political parties, including leadership disputes, are non-justiciable, meaning such matters are not subject to judicial intervention.
He quoted the ruling, which highlighted that political parties are corporate entities bound by their constitutions, rules, and regulations.
He added, “The Supreme Court’s ruling clearly reaffirmed the National Convention of the Party and reiterated that the internal affairs of political parties should be resolved according to their constitution. The court reminded party members that once they subscribe to a party, they are bound by its rules and decisions.”
Abure further emphasized that the Labour Party followed all necessary legal procedures to hold a valid National Convention in compliance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.
He also took the opportunity to call on party leaders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Abure expressed disappointment that these leaders, whom he described as central figures in the ongoing division within the party, had not fully embraced the court’s decision.
He concluded by reiterating the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and resolving internal matters through its established processes, as outlined by the Supreme Court.
