Senator Nenadi Usman, the chairman of Labour Party (LP) Caretaker Committee has announced that it will appeal the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which on Tuesday declared Julius Abure as the substantive National Chairman of the party.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Senator Usman said in a statement she personally signed that the decision was reached after a meeting with the National Leader of the party and its Presidential candidate in last year’s election, Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Secretary, LP Caretaker Committee).
According to the statement: “This evening, I met with His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Secretary, LP Caretaker Committee).
“We deliberated on the judgment passed today. The case actually preceded the formation of the Caretaker Committee.
“However, after being briefed, the Caretaker Committee decided to join the case. Consequently, we have resolved to appeal the judgment accordingly.
“I, therefore, call on all party members to remain calm and maintain peace as we continue our reconciliation efforts.”
The Federal High Court in Abuja presided by Justice Emeka Nwite, had in the judgment, affirmed the Abure-led leadership and the March 2024 Nnewi Convention, which produced the LP’s national leadership.
Nwite also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Abure as the legitimate chairman, overriding INEC’s earlier stance that Abure’s leadership was invalid.
INEC had argued that the LP’s national convention, which was conducted in Anambra State, violated the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and that the party failed to meet legal requirements for holding the convention, saying that Abure’s tenure expired in June 2024.
The Presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi; the sole Governor under the party’s ticket, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State and some party stalwarts convened a stakeholders meeting on September 4, 2024 in Umuahia, Abia State, where they elected, a former Minister of Finance, Dr Nenadi Usman as the Chairman of a 29-man caretaker committee to resolve the crisis in the party and chart a way forward.
The Abure-led national working committee (NWC) however described such meeting as illegal and of no effects.
Speaking after the court ruling on Tuesday in a statement, Abure said rejoiced over his victory at the court.
He noted the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had reaffirmed his leadership by upholding the outcome of the party’s convention held in Nnewi.
“This victory is not just mine, but a victory for justice and democracy. It confirms that the rule of law prevails and that our party’s leadership remains legitimate. For this, I must first and foremost thank Almighty God for guiding us through this challenging period.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite, for his courage and integrity in delivering a judgment that upheld justice and resisted external pressures. His well-articulated judgement has restored our faith in the judiciary and given us hope for democracy in Nigeria,” Abure said.
He also commended Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who had earlier validated the LP convention held in Nnewi, as his judgment became the foundation for other rulings.
“Now that the court has spoken, I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail especially of my person. It is my sincere hope that those involved in these actions will reflect on their mistakes, come forward with a repentant heart, and reconcile themselves with the party.
“In doing so, they should also consider restitution for the damages they have caused us. Only then can we truly move forward, heal our party, and work for the common good of Nigeria. Be that as it may, I call on Peter Obi, the former Presidential candidate of our party to help unite the party,” Abure said.