BREAKING: Court affirms Julius Abure as Labour Party chairman, fines Lamidi Apapa
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Julius Abure’s position as the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), overturning a previous decision by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The High Court had issued a restraining order against Abure and two others from functioning as national officers of the party.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, the Appellate Court ruled that the High Court lacked jurisdiction in the matter, and therefore set aside its decision. Additionally, the Court of Appeal ordered a payment of One million Naira as costs to Abure, with the respondent, Lamidi Apapa, being liable for the amount.
The legal dispute between Abure and Apapa stemmed from allegations of document forgery and leadership legitimacy within the LP. Abure’s victory in the Appeal Court marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict within the party.
This legal victory comes amidst a turbulent period for Abure, who was recently arrested in Benin City on March 21, 2024. Viral videos depicted him being manhandled by law enforcement officers, while LP supporters fiercely opposed his arrest. The police cited charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses as the basis for Abure’s arrest. However, following protests by LP members, Abure was released on bail the following day.
The resolution of the legal dispute underscores the complex dynamics at play within the LP, particularly in the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, where LP candidate Peter Obi secured a third-place finish. As Abure’s leadership is reaffirmed, it remains to be seen how the LP will navigate its internal challenges and chart a path forward amidst ongoing legal and political turbulence.
