Julius Abure, who was confirmed as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, has urged the party’s former presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, to join him in fostering unity within the party.
Abure’s appeal was made in a statement he personally signed, titled “A New Dawn for the Labour Party: Victory, Forgiveness and Unity,” in response to the court ruling.
In a decision handed down by Justice Nwite, the Federal High Court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Julius Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party. The ruling not only validated Abure’s leadership but also confirmed the March 2024 Nnewi convention that established the party’s national leadership, compelling INEC to acknowledge this governance.
In his reaction to the ruling, Abure emphasized that this victory belongs not only to him but to justice and democracy as a whole. He highlighted that the ruling affirms the supremacy of the law and the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
Abure extended an olive branch, offering forgiveness to those who sought to undermine the party and engaged in character assassination and blackmail against him.
He called on Peter Obi and others to join him in uniting the party, while urging them to consider restitution for the harm they have caused him and others within the party. He noted that only by addressing these grievances can they truly move forward, heal the party, and collaborate for the greater 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.”
