By Eshiorameh Sebastian
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
The recognition occurred during the quarterly consultative meeting between the electoral commission and the leadership of all registered political parties, held on Tuesday at the INEC headquarters.
The meeting, attended by the national chairmen and secretaries of all 18 political parties, marked the first official engagement between the commission and the Abure-led leadership since the resolution of the party’s internal disputes.
The Labour Party delegation, which included National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure and National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim, was acknowledged as the “authentic and recognized leadership” in the proceedings.
Abure used the opportunity to congratulate the acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, on her recent appointment. In his remarks, he drew a direct line between her leadership and the commission’s decision to uphold a court order affirming his position. “We appreciate the formal recognition of the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure and as well commended INEC for obeying the court order,” a statement from the party read.
Paying tribute to the acting chairman, Abure highlighted the impact of having legal professionals at the helm of institutions. He stated that “once lawyers are on the saddle of leadership, it reduces, and sometimes brings to an end impunity and injustice to the system.” He added that such leadership builds strong institutions and fosters democratic growth, noting, “This is exactly what has played out in the affairs of the party leadership.”
With the matter of leadership legitimacy now settled, Abure presented a pressing operational issue to the commission. He pleaded with INEC to release the upload codes for the party’s candidates in the upcoming FCT Area Council elections. “The party followed due process, issued notices to INEC, conducted primaries and the list is with the INEC. We therefore urge INEC to release the code to us so that we can upload our candidates and join in the ongoing campaign,” Abure explained.
In response, the acting INEC Chair, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu, gave a firm assurance, promising to “look into the matter.” The Labour Party expressed optimism that under this new leadership, INEC would perform more credibly and in accordance with the rule of law, strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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