INEC Rejects Abure's Labour Party Leadership

Abure Loses INEC Recognition

It seems there's an ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party, with some state chairmen showing solidarity with Abure. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)...

INEC Withdraws Recognition of Julius Abure as Labour Party Chairman.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to recognize Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, despite his name still being listed on INEC's website. This development came to light in a counter-affidavit filed by INEC at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The affidavit was a response to the Labour Party's lawsuit challenging its exclusion from INEC's refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. INEC clarified that Abure's tenure as National Chairman ended in June 2024.

Interestingly, the Labour Party still maintains that Abure remains the National Chairman, pending the final determination of the matter. However, INEC's stance has been supported by Falana Chambers, a legal firm representing the National Transition Committee of the Labour Party, which warned against recognizing Abure due to his expired tenure.

It seems there's an ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party, with some state chairmen showing solidarity with Abure. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) also supports Abure's continued leadership  The situation highlights the complexities surrounding party leadership and INEC's role in recognizing legitimate representatives.

The Labour Party in Nigeria has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since June, sparked by a contentious congress in Anambra state that extended Julius Abure's tenure as chairman. However, this move has faced opposition from notable party members, including Callistus Okafor, the former deputy chairman, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate.

In an effort to resolve the dispute, the party recently convened a national congress. The conflict highlights the deep divisions within the party, with some members supporting Abure's continued leadership and others advocating for change. This leadership tussle has significant implications for the party's future direction and unity.