The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP), on Thursday, insisted on the validity of the mandate secured at the March 27, 2024 Nnewi Convention.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Mr Julius Abure and the National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, maintained that the Supreme Court judgement reaffirmed the NWC under their leadership.
The text of the news conference was read by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh.
Ifoh said that the news conference had become necessary, having read thoroughly the text of the supreme court judgment and the misinterpretation by some sections of the media and other individuals.
He said that the judgement delivered on April 4 reaffirmed the party’s national convention held on March 27, 2024 in Nnewi.
Ifoh said that going by what the supreme court said, the constitution had created organs saddled with the responsibility of making decisions for the party.
“Such organs are: the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Convention.
“The constitution has equally spelt out the functions of these organs.
“Accordingly, in line with the internal mechanism of the party, the current NWC of the party was elected on the 27th of March, 2024 in a national convention.
“The court emphasised that internal party affairs are non-justiciable and should be guided by the party’s constitution.
“The Labour Party’s leadership, led by Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Umaru Farouk Ibrahim, was vindicated by the supreme court judgement,” he argued.
Ifoh further stated that the party’s NWC, elected on March 27, 2024, was recognised by INEC, adding that nobody should try to blackmail INEC into de-recognising it.
“Flowing from the above, the supreme court admonished the party members to respect the constitution of their party.
Ifoh criticised attempts to create division within the party and undermine its leadership, particularly by Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
According to him, the party’s position asserts that its leadership is legitimate and recognised by INEC.
“The party emphasises the importance of adhering to its constitution and internal decision-making processes.
“The party calls on its members to respect the Supreme Court judgement and the party’s internal mechanism for conflict resolution.
“We admonished Alex Otti, Governor of Abia and Peter Obi, LP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and protagonists of the division in the party to hear the Supreme Court loud and clear,” he said
