Justice Emmanuel Aihamoje of the Edo State High Court, Benin City, delivered a significant ruling on Friday, dismissing a notice of suspension filed against Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), by certain party members.
The suspension, which was imposed by the Edo State chapter of the party in April on grounds of alleged corruption, has been declared invalid by the court.
The LP’s National Working Committee (NWC) had previously rejected the suspension, denouncing it as illegal.
The court ruling also included an injunction preventing the LP and its members from suspending any national officers until the final determination of the pending motion on notice.
Obiora Ifoh, the party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, confirmed the court’s decision to journalists in Abuja.
The ruling was delivered in response to a lawsuit filed by Julius Abure and the executives of LP in Ward 3 of the Esan North-East local government area of Edo State.
Justice Aihamoje stated that the LP executive committee in Uromi Ward 3 did not possess the authority, as outlined in the party’s constitution, to remove the national chairman from his position.
The judge issued a restraining order against Lamidi Apapa, the suspended Acting National Chairman, and his faction, prohibiting them from presenting themselves as the party’s national officers.
This court ruling marks a significant victory for Julius Abure and reinforces his position as the Labour Party’s National Chairman.
With the suspension declared invalid, the LP can now proceed with its activities under Abure’s leadership.
The decision also underscores the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution and established procedures when addressing internal disputes and disciplinary actions.