By Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, along with the 29-member caretaker committee appointed by party stakeholders, has announced plans to appeal Tuesday’s court ruling that upheld Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman. This decision follows a Federal High Court in Abuja’s validation of the controversial national convention that reinstated Abure and his National Working Committee. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the party leadership’s authority and privileges.
Labour party’s, National Chairman, Julius Abure
The court ruled that the Nnewi convention held in March was constitutional and in line with national laws. Following the ruling, Abure expressed his willingness for reconciliation, calling on Obi to help ease tensions within the party.
In a brief statement issued Tuesday night, Labour Party Caretaker Committee Chair, Senator Nenadi Usman, confirmed the decision to appeal the ruling. She urged party members to stay calm and explained that the decision was made after consultations with Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the committee’s secretary.
Usman stated, “This evening, I met with Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha. After discussing the judgment, we have decided to appeal the ruling. I urge all party members to remain calm as we continue our reconciliation efforts.”
Abure’s re-election has been a point of contention within the party, with some leaders criticizing the Nnewi convention for not being inclusive. In July, Obi, Governor Otti, and other stakeholders formed a 29-member caretaker committee, led by Usman, tasked with organizing a broader election to elect new leaders at all levels of the party.
