Abure’s exclusion from the party invalid

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party has declared the suspension of national chairman Julius Abure by the Edo State chapter as “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.

Naija News reports that the clarification comes amid internal disputes within the party, which is linked to Abures suspension from his local area in Esan North-East Local Government Area of ​​Edo State.

The controversy dates back to a letter dated May 14, 2024, followed by a ratification on May 15, 2024, suspending Abure with immediate effect for alleged arrogance and anti-party activities.

These decisions were reportedly approved by the state executive committee chaired by Kelly Ogbaloi during a meeting in Benin on Friday evening.

In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, the party’s national spokesman addressed the controversy. Obiora Ifohstated that the Edo State chapter acted without authority.

According to Ifoh, the party’s constitution, Article 17(1) of the 2019 revision, stipulates that only a national convention specially convened for that purpose and reaching a two-thirds majority can suspend or remove the national chairman.

“The measures taken at the district, municipal or even state level do not legally justify the suspension of the national chairman,” explained Ifoh.

He also referred to previous rulings of the Supreme Court and the Edo Court of Appeal which support this constitutional framework and reinforce the national body’s position on the decision of the state association.

Ifoh said the LP NWC had advised Abure to ignore the suspension and continue with his duties, assuring that this attempt to undermine his position would be unsuccessful.

“This dimension is a continuation of the attack on Abure’s person that was observed during the gubernatorial primaries,” added Ifoh.