The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, along with members of the 29-man caretaker committee, has announced plans to appeal Tuesday’s court judgment that upheld Julius Abure’s position as National Chairman.
This announcement follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which declared the national convention that re-elected Abure and his National Working Committee as valid.
The court’s decision also instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore the legitimacy and privileges of the current party leadership. The ruling confirmed that the Nnewi convention held in March was constitutional and adhered to the country’s laws.
In light of the judgment, Abure has expressed a willingness to reconcile, urging Obi to assist in calming tensions within the party, particularly among aggrieved members.
Following the judgment, Chairman of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee Nenadi Usman, released a statement in Abuja announcing the intention to appeal. Usman urged party members to remain calm during this period. She shared that the decision to appeal was reached after discussions with Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
“We deliberated on the judgment passed today and resolved to appeal accordingly. I, therefore, call on all party members to maintain peace as we continue our reconciliation efforts,” Usman stated.
This ongoing dispute reflects a larger struggle within the party, as Abure has faced opposition from key figures who criticized the Nnewi convention for lacking inclusivity.
In July, Obi, alongside Otti and other stakeholders, formed the caretaker committee to facilitate expanded elections aimed at establishing new leadership at various levels within the party.
