Director General of the Labour Party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, has faulted the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) over its recent remarks questioning the legitimacy of Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.
Ngogbehei insisted that Abure remains the duly elected and recognised leader of the party.
Reacting to HURIWA’s claim that Abure is illegally occupying the position despite a purported Supreme Court ruling, the LP chieftain in a statement on Monday dismissed the claim as both misleading and inaccurate.
Ngogbehei clarified that the March 27, 2024, national convention at which Abure was elected chairman remains valid and binding.
The Labour Party leadership crisis has escalated since the Supreme Court judgement delivered on April 4 nullifying an earlier verdict that recognised Julius Abure as the party’s national chair.
Following the Supreme Court judgement, disputing parties have interpreted it to support preferred interests and persons asserting to be the legitimate chair of the party.
But Ngogbehei maintained that no Supreme Court ruling has nullified Abure’s position as Labour Party national chairman.
“It is both surprising and disappointing that an organization that claims to advocate for rule of law and democratic principles would issue such a misguided position,” Ngogbehei said.
He noted that the 2024 convention was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, and that the election outcome remains valid and binding.
“The referenced Supreme Court judgment did not in any way challenge or override the decisions made at that convention,” Ngogbehei clarified.
He advised HURIWA to seek proper legal counsel before making public pronouncements, warning that misleading statements could fuel political tensions and promote institutional disobedience.
He called on stakeholders to avoid spreading falsehoods that could undermine democratic governance in the party.
