‘We Reject INEC’s Intervention In Removing Abure-Led Leadership’ – Ifoh

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Nenadi Usman–led caretaker committee as the party’s authentic leadership.

Naija News reports that INEC had recently updated its website to reflect Usman as the party’s Interim National Chairperson, in line with a ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sacked Abure and his National Working Committee.

But speaking to Sunday Punch, the LP’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, described the commission’s action as “hasty, prejudicial, and targeted at sabotaging” the existing leadership.

Ifoh said the party had already filed an appeal and a stay of execution of the court judgment, which it duly notified INEC about.

He said, “We reject in its entirety the quick intervention of INEC in removing the name of the Labour Party leadership from the portal despite knowing there is a legal process.

“The court of first instance has just delivered a judgment, and we have already secured a stay of execution and notice for appeal, which we submitted to INEC.

“So why should the commission ignore those important documents? Why should it go ahead to replace the name of Abure? It is a puzzle that only INEC can answer.”

The LP spokesperson also suggested that external forces may be influencing events within the party, particularly with the 2027 general election in view.

“You know, when you see a bird dancing in the air, it means somebody must be drumming for it. So, we didn’t think justice was dispensed,” Ifoh said.

He added that the Abure-led faction would pursue all legal means to reclaim its position.

Ifoh added, “Yes, we remain calm and hopeful because we know some people are eager to push the Abure executive out and use the Labour Party to do business ahead of 2027. But we are saying that the party cannot be reduced to that kind of pitiable situation.”

INEC Recognition A Welcome Relief – Usman

Meanwhile, the caretaker leadership of the party, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, has expressed satisfaction with INEC’s decision to acknowledge the court’s ruling.

Speaking through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, Usman welcomed the development.

“We received with relief and joy the official recognition of its Interim National Leadership, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, as the valid and lawful leadership of the party by INEC,” she said.