Julius Abure, who was reaffirmed as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) on Tuesday by the Federal High Court in Abuja, has extended an invitation to Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, to join efforts to unite the party.
In a statement titled “A New Dawn for the Labour Party: Victory, Forgiveness, and Unity,” which Abure personally signed in response to the court ruling, he urged for collective action towards reconciliation and party cohesion.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Nwite, had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially recognize Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party. Justice Nwite’s ruling also validated the outcome of the party’s March 2024 Nnewi convention, which produced its national leadership.
Furthermore, the court issued a directive compelling INEC to acknowledge the leadership of Abure and his executive team.
In his reaction to the court’s judgment, Abure described the ruling as a victory for justice and democracy. He emphasized that the decision underscored the supremacy of the rule of law and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Labour Party’s leadership.
Abure also expressed a spirit of forgiveness towards those who had attempted to undermine him and the party, through character assassination and blackmail, particularly against his person. He extended an olive branch but stressed the importance of restitution for the damages caused.
“Some individuals, whose names I will not mention, sought to manipulate the legal process to their advantage but ultimately failed,” Abure said. He commended the judiciary for setting a high standard in upholding justice, even in the face of considerable adversity and inducement.
Abure went on to highlight that efforts had been made to silence the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party, including attempts to bar them from speaking to the media. He was grateful that the courts refrained from issuing such restrictive orders, allowing justice to take its course.
“Now that the court has delivered its judgment, I extend forgiveness to those who tried to destabilize our party and tarnish my image,” Abure continued. “In line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, I say, ‘I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.’ However, true forgiveness must be accompanied by repentance and restitution.”
He expressed hope that those involved in these disruptive actions would reflect on their missteps, come forward with sincere repentance, and seek reconciliation with the party. According to Abure, restitution is essential for moving forward, healing the party, and working for the collective good of Nigeria.
Abure then specifically called on Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, to play a crucial role in uniting the Labour Party. He described the court judgment as marking the beginning of a new era for the party in Nigeria and acknowledged the need for internal restructuring and healing.
“While we recognize the challenges ahead in rebuilding and healing the party, our doors remain open to all. In the coming days, we will prioritize strengthening our structures, re-engaging with grassroots members, and fostering unity within the party,” Abure said.
“We will heal old wounds and emerge stronger than ever before, with the collective efforts of all members, continuing to champion the interests of the common man and the progress of Nigeria.”
