The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) has challenged the assertions made by the Stakeholders’ appointed Interim National Chairperson, Senator Nenadi Usman, who claimed that her committee’s actions prevented the LP’s deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh described Usman’s claims as false, ludicrous, and unsubstantiated. Ifoh emphasized that the Labour Party is in good standing, adhering to all legal requirements, and therefore cannot be deregistered by INEC.
The statement criticized Usman, a known member of the PDP, for her alleged attempts to exploit INEC’s mismanagement to undermine the LP’s current leadership. Ifoh also denounced the September 4 Stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia as unconstitutional and illegal, asserting that the group behind it lacks legitimacy and recognition.
Furthermore, Ifoh pointed out that several courts, including Appeal Courts in Edo State and the FCT, and a Federal High Court in Abuja, have affirmed Julius Abure as the legitimate National Chairman of the LP. He also noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that matters related to party conventions are internal affairs beyond judicial jurisdiction.
Ifoh concluded by addressing Usman’s attempts to influence INEC, stating that INEC must adhere to the laws outlined in the Electoral Act and the LP’s constitution.