The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a firm stance against recognizing Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, despite his name still appearing on the commission’s website among listed political party chairmen.
This revelation came to light through a counter-affidavit filed by INEC at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The document was submitted in response to a lawsuit initiated by the Labour Party, which challenged its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the upcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections.
In the legal document, INEC maintained its position, stating, “Abure’s tenure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party expired in June 2024.”
This assertion directly contradicts the party’s internal decisions and has ignited fresh controversy within political circles.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership tussle since June 2024, when a party congress held in Anambra state extended the tenure of Julius Abure’s executive.
However, this decision has faced opposition from various quarters within the party.
Notable figures questioning the legitimacy of the Anambra congress include Callistus Okafor, the former deputy chairman, Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, and Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. In an attempt to resolve the impasse, these prominent members jointly organized a national Congress.
The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about the party’s internal democracy and its readiness for upcoming electoral challenges.
