Politics
LABOUR PARTY: Crisis festers as caretaker committee rejects Abure’s olive branch, vows to appeal court ruling
The Labour Party’s (LP) caretaker committee, led by Nenadi Usman, has vowed to appeal the federal high court verdict validating Julius Abure as national chairman.
This is even as Abure has extended an olive branch to his opponents to bury the hatchet and help him build the party.
This development follows Tuesday’s ruling by Presiding Judge Emeka Nwite, which recognized Abure’s leadership and the March 2024 Nnewi convention.
“We have resolved to appeal the judgment accordingly,” Usman stated after meeting with key party stakeholders, including Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti, on Tuesday. Usman also emphasized that the case predates the caretaker committee, which joined the suit after thorough briefing.
“This evening, I met with His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha (Secretary, LP Caretaker Committee),” Usman said in a terse statement.
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“We deliberated on the judgment passed today. The case actually preceded the formation of the Caretaker Committee.”
In contrast, Abure hailed the court judgment as “the beginning of a new era” for the party. “We will focus on rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with our grassroots, and uniting our members,” Abure said in a statement.
Abure extended an olive branch to his opponents, including Peter Obi, urging unity amidst the party’s challenges. “I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party… I forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
The LP’s internal conflict has sparked concerns about its implications for Nigeria’s opposition landscape. As the appeal unfolds, party members and observers await the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
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