The Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for acknowledging its interim national leadership, a move necessitated by a court ruling.
INEC updated its official website on Friday to reflect Senator Usman and Darlington Nwokocha as the party's chairman and national secretary, respectively. Other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) now recognized include Hamisu Santuraki (National Treasurer), Aisha Madije (National Financial Secretary), and Eric Ifere (National Legal Adviser).
This action follows a Federal High Court order on January 21 in Abuja, which recognized the Usman-led NWC and removed Julius Abure from his position as the party's national chairman. Justice Peter Lifu cited a Supreme Court decision that affirmed Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party.
The court mandated INEC to acknowledge the Usman-led NWC as the party's lawful authority until its next convention. Justice Lifu stated that evidence presented indicated Abure's term as national chairman had concluded, and while deeming the matter an internal party issue, he deemed the establishment of a caretaker committee a necessary step following the Supreme Court's prior judgment.
The Abure-led faction had previously declared intentions to appeal the Federal High Court's decision.
In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, the party conveyed its delight that the electoral body has adhered to the court's judgment concerning the party's leadership dispute. Asogwa commended INEC's leadership for upholding the law, justice, and the Nigerian Constitution.
He added, "We are confident this development marks the end of prolonged distractions and internal instability the party has faced over the past year. We urge our members nationwide to unite and support the interim leadership as we work diligently to reposition the party for future electoral success."
As a significant opposition party, the Labour Party remains committed to offering Nigerians a credible, people-focused alternative platform, a goal that necessitates unity, commitment, and collective sacrifice from all stakeholders.
The party extended its gratitude to its supporters for their resilience and steadfast belief in its mission, and also acknowledged the judiciary for upholding justice and the Nigerian media for their principled pursuit of truth.
"As we redouble our efforts to rebuild and strengthen our national structures, we appeal for the continued patience and support of Nigerians. Conscious of the limited time before the next election cycle, the party assures the public of its unwavering resolve to work tirelessly to restore the Labour Party to winning ways and achieve its objectives swiftly," the statement concluded.
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