Dare Babalola
A faction of the Labour Party has issued a statement clarifying the tenure of its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, asserting that his leadership remains valid until 2028.
In a statement signed by Hon. Aju Elumelu-James, Special Adviser to the National Labour Party Chairman on Media and Strategic Communications, the party emphasised that Abure’s emergence as Chairman in March 2021 was constitutional and in line with the party’s rules.
According to the statement, “It is important to note that the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, passed away in December 2020. On 31 December 2020, Maria Lebeke, who was one of the Deputy National Chairmen of the party, was appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC), in accordance with the party’s constitution, to serve in an acting capacity as National Chairman.”
The statement explained that Lebeke acted in that capacity for three months before convening a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which led to Abure’s unanimous election on March 29, 2021, to complete the tenure of the late chairman.
The statement added, “Barr. Julius Abure was expected to complete the tenure of Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, which was due to expire in June 2023. However, prior to the expiration of that tenure, a NEC meeting was held in Asaba in April 2023.
“The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peter Obi, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other critical stakeholders of the party.”
The NEC meeting resolved to extend the tenure by one year, and a National Convention held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi elected the current leadership, which is expected to run until 2028.
“Consequently, it is fallacious, misleading, and mischievous to continue to suggest that the tenure of Barr. Julius Abure has expired. In fact, following the March 2024 convention, his tenure is expected to run until 2028.”
The party emphasised that the Supreme Court did not rule on the validity of Abure’s tenure or the Nnewi convention, but rather held that matters concerning party leadership are internal affairs of the party.
“The Supreme Court did not delve into the issue of party leadership or the validity of the convention held in Nnewi. The Court merely held that matters concerning the leadership of a political party are internal affairs of that party and that the courts lack jurisdiction to entertain such disputes,” the statement added.
The statement urged stakeholders and the public to disregard claims that Abure’s tenure has expired, describing such assertions as “fallacious, misleading, and mischievous”.
The Labour Party reiterated that its internal organs, including the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Council (NEC), and National Convention, have the authority to make decisions regarding its leadership and governance, and that the current leadership was duly elected in accordance with the party’s constitution.0
