The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed resounding support for the Supreme Court’s decision to remove Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman. This landmark ruling, delivered on Friday, is seen by the caucus as a crucial step towards restoring stability and reinvigorating the party after a period of internal strife. The caucus believes that Abure’s leadership had become a source of division and instability, hindering the party’s progress and undermining its potential. The court’s intervention is perceived not only as a necessary corrective measure but also as a symbolic reminder that democratic principles must be upheld, even within political parties. The caucus anticipates that this decision will pave the way for a more unified and effective Labour Party, better equipped to represent the interests of its members and the Nigerian people.
According to Afam Ogene, the leader of the LP caucus, the Supreme Court’s judgment is a “veritable tonic” for the party’s revitalization. He commended the court for its decisive action, emphasizing that it provides the Labour Party with a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild. Ogene expressed confidence that the party can now move forward with renewed purpose, focusing on its core values and its commitment to serving the public good. The judgment sets aside a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had recognized Abure’s leadership. The Supreme Court found that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction in this matter, effectively nullifying Abure’s claim to the chairmanship. This clarification of the legal position is seen as a crucial step in resolving the leadership crisis that has plagued the party.
The LP caucus believes that the protracted leadership dispute, which had threatened the party’s stability, could have been avoided had Abure and his team heeded the caucus’s advice and addressed the concerns of other stakeholders. The caucus had consistently advocated for a more inclusive and conciliatory approach to party governance, urging Abure to prioritize dialogue and consensus-building. However, these appeals were reportedly ignored, leading to escalating tensions and ultimately, the legal challenge that culminated in the Supreme Court’s decision. The caucus laments the missed opportunities for compromise and emphasizes the importance of internal democracy and respect for diverse viewpoints within the party.
The LP caucus highlighted specific instances where Abure’s leadership had been unresponsive to their concerns. One such instance was the caucus’s call for the postponement of the party’s national convention in March 2024. The caucus had expressed reservations about proceeding with the convention while internal conflicts remained unresolved, suggesting that it could exacerbate divisions within the party. They believed that a period of consultation and reconciliation was necessary to ensure a more unified and productive convention. However, this advice was allegedly disregarded, and the convention proceeded as planned, further deepening the rift between the caucus and the party leadership.
According to the caucus, Abure’s response to their concerns was not only dismissive but also hostile. Instead of engaging in dialogue, he reportedly resorted to public attacks and threats against caucus members, including threats to deny them party tickets for re-election. This behavior, the caucus argues, demonstrated a lack of respect for internal democracy and a disregard for the concerns of elected representatives. The caucus believes that this heavy-handed approach further alienated members and contributed to the escalating crisis within the party. They maintain that their primary motivation was to ensure the party’s unity and long-term viability, but their efforts were met with resistance and hostility.
The caucus asserts that the uncertainty and internal strife stemming from Abure’s leadership have had tangible consequences, including the loss of six caucus members who chose to leave the party. This attrition, they argue, is a direct result of the toxic environment created by the leadership dispute. They believe that these departures represent a significant loss for the party and underscore the urgent need for a change in leadership and a renewed commitment to internal democracy and inclusivity. The caucus hopes that the Supreme Court’s decision will mark a turning point for the Labour Party, allowing it to heal internal divisions, rebuild trust, and focus on its mission of serving the Nigerian people. They see the removal of Abure as an opportunity to create a more cohesive and effective party, capable of achieving its political goals and representing the interests of its members.
