The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it is currently reviewing the recent Supreme Court judgment involving the leadership tussle between Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure. The clarification from the electoral body comes amid widespread speculation regarding its next line of action and the legal status of Abure’s leadership within the Labour Party.
INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, made the commission’s position known in a statement released on Friday. He noted that the commission is exercising caution before issuing a formal response or taking further administrative action, especially considering the complexity and significance of the case.
Background of the Crisis
The leadership dispute within the Labour Party, which intensified after the 2023 general elections, pits two major figures—Peter Obi and Julius Abure—against each other. While Peter Obi remains the party’s most popular figure and standard-bearer in the 2023 presidential election, his relationship with Abure has reportedly become strained over issues related to internal democracy, financial transparency, and alleged high-handedness in party administration.
Obi’s camp has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with Abure’s continued hold on the party leadership, with several high-ranking members calling for a restructuring of the National Working Committee. There have also been calls for an emergency national convention to address what some party stakeholders describe as the “deteriorating internal cohesion” of the party.
Julius Abure, on the other hand, has insisted on his legitimacy, citing existing court judgments that recognize him as the duly elected National Chairman of the Labour Party. The recent Supreme Court ruling is being seen as a pivotal moment in this internal crisis, even as its broader legal interpretations are still being scrutinized.
Supreme Court’s Role
The Supreme Court judgment in question did not directly address the Obi-Abure leadership rift but rather settled a related issue involving the party’s internal processes and recognition of valid candidates. However, political observers say the outcome of the ruling has indirect implications for the ongoing battle over the party’s soul.
While Abure has interpreted the ruling as a validation of his position as party leader, Peter Obi’s supporters are urging a more nuanced reading, arguing that the ruling only affirms legal procedural matters and not the legitimacy of current leadership in a broader context.
This ambiguity has left room for speculation, prompting calls for INEC to clarify its stance on who it recognizes as the lawful National Chairman of the Labour Party moving forward.
INEC’s Position
In his official remarks, Festus Okoye stated, “INEC is fully aware of the judgment of the Supreme Court. However, as is our practice with any matter of this nature, the legal department of the commission is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the judgment to determine its scope and implications.”
He added that INEC will not act hastily in a matter that involves legal interpretations and the internal governance of a political party. “We are guided by the rule of law. Once our review is complete, the commission will take whatever steps are necessary, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution,” Okoye explained.
This measured response is seen as INEC’s attempt to avoid being drawn into the internal power struggle within the Labour Party while ensuring that its eventual decision aligns with the highest court’s ruling.
Political Fallout and Stakeholder Reactions
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail INEC’s cautious stance, with stakeholders from both sides interpreting the commission’s silence differently. The Abure-led faction sees it as implicit validation, while the Obi camp insists it shows INEC is not convinced of Abure’s claim to uncontested authority.
A senior member of the Obi-led ‘Obidient’ movement, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We trust INEC will do the right thing by standing with the Nigerian people who want a more democratic and transparent Labour Party. This is not just about Abure or Obi—it’s about the integrity of the party.”
In contrast, a spokesperson for Abure’s camp insisted that the issue has already been settled legally. “The courts have spoken. Abure is the National Chairman. Those who are dissatisfied should follow the law and not seek shortcuts,” he said.
Future Implications for Labour Party
Political analysts suggest that this leadership tussle—if unresolved—could threaten the Labour Party’s viability ahead of the 2027 general elections. With growing interest from younger Nigerians and a rising support base, particularly among urban voters, many believe the party must present a united front to maintain momentum.
“Labour Party has a unique opportunity to build on the goodwill it earned during the 2023 elections,” said Dr. Aliyu Garba, a political science lecturer at the University of Abuja. “But internal divisions and legal disputes could squander that goodwill unless leaders from both factions find a way to reconcile.”
Garba added that INEC’s ultimate position could influence the trajectory of the crisis, especially if it results in formal recognition or rejection of either camp’s leadership structure.
Conclusion
As INEC continues its review of the Supreme Court judgment related to the Labour Party’s internal affairs, all eyes are on the electoral body for guidance on the legal and political direction the party might take. While Julius Abure maintains that his leadership is secure, supporters of Peter Obi are hoping for a shake-up that could usher in a new era of reforms within the party.
The resolution—or escalation—of this conflict may very well determine whether the Labour Party can transform itself into a lasting political force or fall victim to the same factional crises that have plagued other opposition movements in Nigeria’s turbulent political history.
