Address by Barrister Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party, to the National Executive Council (NEC) – April 7, 2025
Distinguished Members of the National Executive Committee, Esteemed Party Leaders, and Fellow Nigerians,
I welcome you all to this crucial session of our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Recent developments within our party, particularly following the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on our leadership matter, necessitate this gathering. As stewards of the Labour Party, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding our constitution, maintaining party unity, and safeguarding the integrity of our leadership.
Let me begin by expressing profound appreciation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its courageous and principled stance in affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs. In its ruling, the apex court unequivocally reaffirmed that leadership disputes within a political party remain within the exclusive purview of the party’s constitution and governance structures. Consequently, the Court declined jurisdiction in the appeal brought by Senator Nenadi Usman, reinforcing the fundamental principle of party autonomy.
This judgment is not merely a legal victory for the Labour Party; it is a landmark affirmation of democratic tenets and a significant milestone for Nigeria’s political landscape. However, it is regrettable that certain actors, notably Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, have deliberately misrepresented the ruling, misleading the public and attempting to create confusion through a so-called “Caretaker Committee.” Let it be categorically stated: this purported committee is unconstitutional and illegitimate. Those who convened the meeting in Umuahia lacked the legal authority to do so, as neither of them holds the office of National Chairman or National Secretary as required by our party’s constitution.
Clarification on Leadership Legitimacy
The Labour Party held a valid National Convention in 2019, with its tenure constitutionally set to end in June 2023. Given the extraordinary demands of the 2023 general elections, our NEC, in its April 2023 meeting in Asaba, authorized a one-year extension, pushing the tenure’s end to June 9, 2024. In accordance with this resolution and our constitution, a fresh National Convention was duly convened and held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State. All procedures were properly executed, and multiple court rulings have validated its legitimacy.
Our constitution, specifically Articles 12 and 14 of the amended 2024 edition, clearly defines the authority of the party’s organs. Article 14 vests the power to issue notices for meetings of the National Convention, NEC, and the National Working Committee (NWC) in the National Secretary, with the consultation and approval of the National Chairman. The March 2024 Convention adhered to all constitutional procedures and was widely endorsed.
Supreme Court Judgment: Key Points
a) The Supreme Court affirmed the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs. It explicitly stated that leadership disputes are not for the courts to determine, thereby confirming that the NWC under my leadership was not sacked.
b) The Court did not overturn the decision in CA/ABJ/1172/2024 (Labour Party vs. Chief Ebisen & 2 Ors), decided on November 13, 2024, which upheld my position as National Chairman. That ruling was neither appealed nor reviewed. Instead, the Court set aside its reference in CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024 (Sen. Esther Nenadi Usman & Anor vs. Labour Party & Anor), delivered on January 17, 2025. As such, the Ebisen ruling remains binding and valid.
c) The Court advised political parties to adhere strictly to their constitutions, especially regarding tenure limits and the election of new officers. In compliance, the Labour Party convened a National Convention on March 27, 2024, electing new officers before the expiration of the extended tenure in June 2024. The Court did not declare our tenure expired; rather, it reinforced that party leadership must emerge through internal mechanisms.
The Purported Caretaker Committee: A Fraudulent Creation
The so-called Labour Party Caretaker Committee is unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional. According to a counter-affidavit filed by INEC in Suit No: A/212/24 at the High Court of Abia State, no notice was given to INEC for the purported “Stakeholders Meeting” held in Umuahia on April 9, 2024, which allegedly produced this illegitimate body.
Furthermore, Article 14(4)(b) of our constitution stipulates that meeting notices must be issued by the National Secretary in consultation with and approval of the National Chairman. INEC Regulations and Guidelines (2022) require that such notices be jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary. Additionally, Article 13(B)(XII) grants only the NEC the power to establish ad-hoc and standing committees. Therefore, no legitimate Caretaker Committee was ever formed, as no provision for such exists in our constitution.
The Supreme Court’s position is clear: a political party is supreme over its affairs. The authentic leadership of the Labour Party was elected on March 27, 2024, and remains in place. The so-called Caretaker Committee consists of meddlesome interlopers intent on undermining the party’s progress.
Commitment to Our Mission
To our dedicated members and supporters across Nigeria, be assured that the Labour Party remains united and steadfast in our mission to provide transformative leadership. Our goals are clear: to usher in good governance, enhance security, drive economic development, create jobs, and invest in critical infrastructure. Should Nigerians entrust us with power, we are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose.
On a related note, we extend our full support to our Anambra State governorship candidate, Chief George Moghalu. Having emerged from a transparent and credible primary election, Chief Moghalu embodies the values and vision of the Labour Party. We are committed to ensuring his victory through vigorous campaigning.
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Finally, to all institutions, agencies, and citizens who may have received misleading information about the Labour Party, we urge you to rely on the facts presented herein. Once the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment is released, we will make it publicly available for full transparency.
Let us move forward with unity and renewed commitment.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Signed,
Barrister Julius Abure
National Chairman, Labour Party
April 7, 2025
