The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially directed Julius Abure to cease presenting himself as the chairman of the Labour Party (LP). This directive was issued in response to a counter-affidavit filed by Ayuba Mohammed, an Executive Officer in INEC’s Litigation and Prosecution Department, in the ongoing legal case with the reference number NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024.
The commission's decision came as part of its response to a suit brought by the Labour Party, which is contesting its exclusion from the commission’s refresher training designed for uploading party agents ahead of the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The controversy surrounding Abure’s position as LP chairman follows the expiration of his tenure on June 9, 2024, as confirmed by the party’s Board of Trustees Secretary, Salisu Mohammad. INEC has asserted that it did not monitor, participate in, or recognize the National Convention of the Labour Party held on March 27, 2024, in Anambra State, where Abure claimed to have been re-elected as chairman.
According to INEC, the convention was conducted in violation of several legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s regulations and guidelines for political parties 2022, and the Labour Party constitution 2019. INEC’s stance is that it only acknowledges and engages with valid and legally recognized national chairmen and secretaries of political parties when issuing notices and conducting correspondence.
The Labour Party has been experiencing significant internal strife, with Lamidi Apapa positioning himself as the “original” chairman and opposing the faction led by Abure, which INEC recognizes. To address this leadership crisis, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has set up a 29-member Caretaker Committee, headed by Nenadi Usman. This committee is tasked with organizing democratic congresses and electing new leadership for the party at all levels.
The ongoing leadership conflict has raised concerns about the future stability of the Labour Party, with some members accusing Abure’s administration of engaging in “illegalities” and “corruption.” The situation remains fluid as the party works to resolve these internal issues and restore its organizational integrity.