Anambra LP Commends Senators Nenadi Usman, Darlington Nwokocha as INEC Withdraws Recognition of Abure

By Our Correspondent

The Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has commended Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha for what it described as their “unwavering commitment to repositioning the party,” amid fresh legal developments that appear to have finally settled the party’s lingering leadership crisis.

In a press statement issued in Awka on Saturday, the State Chairman of the party, Peter Okoye, lauded the duo as “great leaders of our time” and praised them for standing firm in defence of the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

Okoye’s remarks followed a new position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which formally withdrew recognition of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party.

The electoral body said Abure’s tenure expired in June 2024 and cited the binding judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on April 4, 2025.

In a sworn counter-affidavit filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, INEC argued that there was no valid leadership under Abure and, therefore, the Commission could not issue him access codes for uploading candidates’ nomination forms ahead of the August 16, 2025, bye-election.

INEC further clarified that it neither monitored nor recognised the disputed National Convention held in Nnewi on March 27, 2024, where Abure had claimed re-election.

The Commission maintained that the event violated the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the 2022 Electoral Act, its guidelines, and the Labour Party’s constitution.

Reacting, Okoye said the Commission’s latest stance was consistent with the April 4, 2025, judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025, which nullified all previous recognitions of Abure’s purported leadership.

“That decision of the apex court remains binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria, pursuant to Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Federal High Court in Abuja, acting in accordance with the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, rightly struck out the originating suit for want of jurisdiction,” Okoye stated.

He further commended INEC for what he described as the “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” displayed in its position before the court, stressing that the Commission’s action had brought long-awaited closure to the leadership tussle that had weakened the party in recent months.