The Labour Party (LP) has reacted to Friday’s Supreme Court judgement affirming that the internal leadership of political parties lies solely within their structures, with the Julius Abure-led faction describing it as a “victory for democracy and the rule of law.”
In a statement released in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Supreme Court was commended for upholding the autonomy of political parties to determine their leadership without external interference.
“The Supreme Court today, April 4, 2025, gave a judgement… that the matter is purely an internal affair of the political party of which courts have no business to dabble into,” the statement read. “This reaffirms Barrister Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party.”
The party maintained that the judgement did not invalidate the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on November 13, 2024 (CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024), which confirmed Abure’s position. The party also insisted that the March 27, 2024 national convention, held under Abure’s leadership and recognised by INEC, remains valid.
Reacting to claims of an alternative leadership, Ifoh said, “The gathering in Umuahia is clearly not in line with the party’s constitution. The Supreme Court did not sack Barrister Julius Abure.”
However, the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (LPNCC), represented by its Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, interpreted the judgement differently, suggesting that it brings an end to Abure’s claim to the national chairmanship.
In his own statement, Nwokocha described the verdict as a “monumental victory” for Nigeria’s democracy and a chance to unify the party and chart a new course.
“This historic ruling is not only a victory for the Labour Party but also for the Nigerian people and our democracy,” he said. “We now have an opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen our party.”
He further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to join the Labour Party’s efforts to restore democratic values and national unity.
While the Supreme Court refrained from interfering in the internal affairs of the party, the leadership tussle between the Abure-led NWC and the LPNCC appears far from over, as both factions interpret the ruling to suit their narratives.
The development underscores ongoing tensions within the Labour Party and raises fresh questions about the role of internal democracy and legal interpretation in Nigeria’s political parties.
