Reacting to the court ruling, Abure said that the victory is not just his, but a victory for justice and democracy, stressing that it confirms that the rule of law prevails and that the party’s leadership remains legitimate.
Julius Abure, who was affirmed as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) on Tuesday by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has called on the party’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, to join him in uniting the party.
Abure made the call in a statement he personally signed, titled, “A New Dawn for the Labour Party: Victory, Forgiveness and Unity” in reaction to the court judgment.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit brought before Justice Nwite ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Julius Abure as the substantive Chairman of the Labour Party.
Justice Nwite, who delivered the ruling validating the Abure-led leadership of the party, also validated the March 2024 Nnewi convention of the Party that produced the national leadership, while issuing an order compelling the INEC to recognise the leadership.
Reacting to the court ruling, Abure said that the victory is not just his, but a victory for justice and democracy, stressing that it confirms that the rule of law prevails and that the party’s leadership remains legitimate.
Abure said he offers forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine the party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail especially of his person.
While calling on Peter Obi and others to join him in uniting the party, he said in doing so, they should also consider restitution for the damages they have caused him and others in the party, noting that only then can they truly move forward, heal the party, and work for the common good of Nigeria.
He said, “Some individuals, whose names I choose not to mention, attempted to secure these orders, but failed. The judges have set an admirable precedent for upholding justice in the face of adversity and huge inducement.
“They sought to restrain us as the National Executive Committee (NEC) members of the party, from even speaking to the press. Thankfully, the courts technically avoided granting such orders and justice prevailed.
“Now that the court has spoken, I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail especially of my person.
“However, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, I say, “I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness must be accompanied by repentance and restitution.
“It is my sincere hope that those involved in these actions will reflect on their mistakes, come forward with a repentant heart, and reconcile themselves with the party.
“In doing so, they should also consider restitution for the damages they have caused us. Only then can we truly move forward, heal our party, and work for the common good of Nigeria.
“Be that as it may, I call on Peter Obi, the former Presidential candidate of our party to help unite the party.
“This judgment marks the beginning of a new era for the Labour Party in Nigeria. There is no question that the party will need restructuring and healing, but I assure you that our doors are open to all.
“In the coming days, we will focus on rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with our grassroots, and uniting our members. We will heal old wounds and emerge stronger than ever before.
“With the collective efforts of all members, we will continue to fight for the interests of the common man and the betterment of Nigeria.”
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