By Mercy Aikoye
The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment removing Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman. This decision is seen as a catalyst for stability and reinvention within the party. The caucus, led by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, praised the judgment, stating it’s a warning to leaders who abuse their power in a democracy.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to declare Abure the National Chairman, as the case centered on the party’s internal leadership structure. Ogene described the ruling as a “veritable tonic for the revitalization of the party,” which has faced internal leadership crises.
With this judgment, the Labour Party plans to implement mechanisms to restore internal peace and prepare for future elections. The party aims to prioritize its members’ interests and welfare. A stakeholders meeting will be convened next week by the National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, to chart the way forward.
The leadership crisis could have been avoided if Abure had listened to stakeholders’ concerns. Instead, he ignored warnings, leading to divisions within the party. In March 2024, LP Reps called for a postponement of the National Convention to allow for consultations, but the party leadership responded with media attacks and threats.
The uncertainty created by the internal conflict led to the loss of at least six members from the LP caucus. Ogene emphasized that the party’s health and sustainability are paramount, and the recent judgment will help the party refocus on its core values.
The Labour Party now looks to move forward, with the caucus expressing hope that the party will reinvent itself and prepare effectively for upcoming elections. The judgment is seen as a bold and decisive move, giving the party a new lease on life.
The party’s leadership crisis was characterized by Abure’s alleged arrogance and power-mongering, which created an environment for crisis to fester. The LP Reps had urged caution and greater sensitivity in managing the party’s affairs, but their concerns were ignored.
