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INEC Yet To Update Website Despite Court Ruling Sacking Abure As LP Chair

Published

1 month ago

Apr 17, 2025.

INEC Yet To Update Website Despite Court Sacking Abure As Labour Party Chairman.
Court ruled internal party leadership issues are beyond judicial scope.
INEC says it’s reviewing judgment before making leadership updates.

Despite a clear ruling by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, nullifying Julius Abure’s recognition as national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to reflect the leadership change on its official website.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that as of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, checks by Daily Sun revealed that INEC’s website still lists Abure as the LP national chairman, with a note indicating his status was “by court order.” The site also maintains listings of other key officials from Abure’s camp, including Farouk Umar (national secretary), Oluchi Operah (national treasurer), Hadiza Kishimi (national financial secretary), and Akingbade Oyelekan (national legal adviser).

The Supreme Court’s ruling invalidated the earlier judgment of the Abuja Court of Appeal which had affirmed Abure’s leadership. The apex court emphasized that issues concerning internal party leadership are beyond the jurisdiction of the judiciary. It ruled in favor of Nenadi Usman, who was appointed as the party’s caretaker chairperson in September 2024.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice John Okoro stated that both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court erred by delving into a matter that should be resolved internally within the party. The judgment has since triggered contrasting interpretations from both camps. While Abure’s supporters argue the ruling does not unseat him, Usman’s camp maintains that it solidifies her interim leadership.

In a reaction, legal analyst Abdul Mahmud argued that Abure’s claim to leadership collapsed even before the convention that reelected him, as his tenure had expired on March 26, 2024. He said any action taken afterward, including the controversial Nnewi convention, was void. Mahmud insisted the party must now revert to its leadership status as of March 26, 2024, and conduct fresh congresses in line with its constitution.

Abure As Labour Party Chairman

However, INEC has yet to act on the Supreme Court’s pronouncement. When contacted, the commission’s spokesperson said the legal department is still studying the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment and will give appropriate guidance in due time.