INEC Yet to Decide Labour Party Leadership Amid Supreme Court Ruling Confusion

The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has taken another twist as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it is yet to reach a final decision regarding the party’s national leadership, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. Despite ongoing public claims by party factions, the electoral commission insists it is still thoroughly reviewing the legal judgment before taking any formal stance.

Multiple sources within INEC confirmed to The PUNCH on Thursday that no action had been taken yet, as the commission was still studying the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the April 4, 2025 judgment delivered by the Supreme Court.

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INEC Calls for Clarity Before Action

According to an anonymous INEC official, “The commission needs to obtain a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment, study it carefully to determine what the court intended, before arriving at an informed decision.” The remark underscores the complex nature of the court’s decision, which has left room for conflicting interpretations within the party and the broader political community.

The ruling overturned an earlier judgment by the Court of Appeal, which had upheld Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The apex court, however, stated that internal party matters were outside the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal—effectively nullifying its judgment, but without expressly declaring a new leader, thus opening the door for ambiguity.

Leadership Tug-of-War Intensifies

In the aftermath of the ruling, three factions have laid claim to the leadership of the party. Julius Abure maintains that he remains the National Chairman, citing the Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere in internal party affairs as implicit validation of the March 27, 2024, National Convention in Nnewi, which re-elected him.

Conversely, the Labour Party Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman argues that the judgment nullified Abure’s leadership, giving way for a reconstituted leadership. Simultaneously, another factional figure, Lamidi Apapa, has resurfaced, also asserting authority over the party.

Obi, Otti Step In With Certified Court Document

In a bid to clarify the situation, a high-level delegation led by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, visited INEC headquarters in Abuja on April 9. During the visit, they submitted the CTC of the Supreme Court ruling to the commission. The visit aimed to resolve ongoing confusion over the rightful leadership and ensure continued cooperation between the party and INEC.

The delegation was received by INEC National Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, who reiterated the commission’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Olumekun emphasized that INEC will only act based on a clear understanding of the judgment to avoid legal complications.

Abure Asserts Authority, Blames Internal Division on Obi, Otti

At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Abure doubled down on his claim to the leadership, warning Peter Obi and Governor Otti against “misinterpreting” the judgment. Speaking through LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Abure said, “The Supreme Court, contrary to speculations, reaffirmed the National Convention of the Party held on the 27th of March 2024 at Nnewi.”

Quoting legal precedent, he stated, “A political party is a corporate entity with its own constitution. Members who joined freely have consented to be bound by those rules.” He argued that those pushing for his removal have misread the apex court’s message.

“The judgment reminded all party members to trust and adhere to internal dispute resolution mechanisms as prescribed in their party constitution,” he added.

Conflicting Meetings and Continued Divisions

Abure’s media briefing came two weeks after Obi and Otti’s faction held a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where they also presented the CTC of the Supreme Court judgment. That gathering saw the participation of influential figures such as Senator Victor Umeh, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku of the NLC Political Commission, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who serves as Secretary of the Caretaker Committee.

Former LP spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo and numerous Obidient Movement members were also in attendance, further underscoring the deep division within the party.

No Word Yet From Usman Faction

When contacted for comment, Tony Akeni, spokesman for the Usman-led Caretaker Committee, declined to speak, citing personal indisposition but promising to respond at a later time. Attempts to reach Peter Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

Conclusion: A Party in Legal Limbo

With INEC still in the process of determining how to interpret the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Labour Party remains in a state of internal uncertainty. Until the commission issues a clear directive, rival factions will likely continue asserting legitimacy, potentially weakening the party’s unity ahead of critical electoral cycles.