BREAKING: Setback for Peter Obi And Alex Otti as Court Upholds Julius Abure as Labour Party Chairman

Court Ruling Solidifies Abure’s Leadership, Deals Blow to Peter Obi and Alex Otti in Labour Party Power Struggle

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the claims challenging the legitimacy of Julius Abure as Labour Party (LP) national chairman. Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday ruled that Abure remains the party’s substantive leader, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize him.

The court also upheld the party’s March 2024 convention in Nnewi, which had appointed the current national leadership, including Abure. This ruling solidifies the leadership of the faction led by Abure amidst internal party disputes.

The judgment comes after accusations of betrayal from Abure’s camp towards Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti. On September 18, 2024, Abure’s faction had accused the two leaders of undermining the party’s leadership by organizing an unauthorized meeting.

Abure’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, labeled the Umuahia meeting convened by Otti as “a charade,” questioning its legitimacy under the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. He further challenged Otti to provide any official communication from INEC regarding the disputed national convention.

“The caretaker committee set up by Governor Otti has no legal standing,” Ifoh stated, calling it “a department in the Abia State Government House” and claiming the appointed chair was not a registered member of the Labour Party.