The Court of Appeal in Benin City, Edo State, has upheld Julius Abure’s position as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, announced the decision, noting that the three-member panel of justices ruled unanimously to dismiss the appellant’s appeal. The appellant, Lucky Shauibu, who claimed to be a member of the Labour Party in Ward 3 Executive in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, had initiated the suspension of Abure.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji Abadua, the court affirmed the earlier ruling of the Edo State High Court. Justice Abadua emphasized that under Article 13 and 17 of the Party’s Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022, a single individual cannot suspend the National Chairman, especially when the appellant is unrecognized by the party.
In response to the Court of Appeal’s ruling, the Labour Party issued a press release expressing satisfaction with the judgment. The party highlighted the significance of the ruling in upholding the democratic processes within the party’s structure. The release further stressed the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and electoral laws in addressing internal disputes. The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and the rule of law within its ranks.
