By John Umeh
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for excluding candidates sponsored by the Julius Abure-led faction from the forthcoming by-elections in the state.
The electoral umpire’s decision follows the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, which removed Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman and recognized Sen. Nenadi Usman as the authentic leader of the LP.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Awka on Thursday, the Anambra State Chairman of the party, Mr. Peter Okoye, described INEC’s stance as a bold affirmation of the rule of law.
“We commend INEC’s decision. The commission has shown respect for the rule of law,” Okoye stated.
He further cautioned individuals or groups still engaging in political dealings with Abure and his allies, warning that such actions could attract sanctions from the party.
Okoye also used the opportunity to call on voters in the state to turn out in large numbers for Saturday’s polls and to support only candidates with credible character and proven integrity. He clarified, however, that the Labour Party in Anambra has no candidate in the by-elections and has entered no alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), contrary to speculations.
Reiterating the state chapter’s loyalty to the party’s national leadership, Okoye passed a vote of confidence on the Usman-led executive, stressing that the LP remains committed to internal democracy and due process.
The by-elections, scheduled for August 16, will cover the Anambra South Senatorial District and the Onitsha North 1 Constituency. They are being held to fill the vacant seats left by the death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah and Mr. Justice Azuka, a state lawmaker who was tragically kidnapped on Christmas Eve and later found dead.
The Labour Party’s endorsement of INEC’s decision is seen as a significant development in consolidating the commission’s enforcement of judicial rulings and restoring order within Nigeria’s party system.
