INEC’S DECISION TO BAR ABURE FROM MEETINGS REINFORCES JUSTICE DISCIPLINE AND DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY- FORMER LABOUR PARTY TREASURER, OLUCHI OPARA

*Press Statement by Oluchi Oparah, Former National Treasurer of the Labour Party.*

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a commendable and principled stand by excluding Mr. Julius Abure, the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, from both the groundbreaking ceremony for its new National Headquarters and the INEC-Political Parties Consultative Meeting held on the 26th June, 2025. This decision is not only honorable but also fully consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which overturned prior judgments from lower courts that had erroneously ruled in Abure’s favor. By upholding the rule of law, INEC has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that political parties operate within the confines of their constitutional frameworks.

I commend INEC’s decision not to attend the sham congresses and primaries conducted by Julius Abure’s outgone leadership for the FCT Area Council elections held on June 28, 2025. This resolute stance further underscores INEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of electoral processes and rejecting any attempts to legitimize unconstitutional actions. Such sham exercises, orchestrated to perpetuate personal agendas, are a direct affront to the democratic principles that the Labour Party and INEC stand for.

I also strongly condemn Mr. Julius Abure’s sit-tight mentality, which reflects a blatant disregard for the Labour Party’s constitution and the principles of democratic leadership. Such a culture of entrenching oneself in power beyond lawful tenure is unacceptable and must be rejected by all well-meaning citizens and dedicated members of the Labour Party. This behavior undermines the very values of fairness, accountability, and progress that our party stands for, and it sets a dangerous precedent that erodes public trust in our democratic institutions.

INEC deserves resounding commendation for its resolute action. As the registrar and regulator of political parties in Nigeria, INEC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. By enforcing compliance with the constitutional provisions of political parties, particularly on matters of tenure, INEC is sending a clear message: no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law. This stance serves as a powerful deterrent to party officials who, out of mischief or self-interest, deliberately flout their party’s constitution, mislead the public, and betray the trust of their members.

The maintenance of such high standards is essential for fostering discipline, accountability, and transparency in Nigeria’s political landscape. When political parties adhere to their own rules, it strengthens the democratic process, promotes fairness, and ensures that leadership transitions occur in an orderly and lawful manner. INEC’s decision sets a critical precedent for political parties to prioritize internal democracy and uphold their constitutional guidelines, which form the bedrock of credible political participation.

I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and members of the Labour Party to unequivocally condemn the culture of sit-tight leadership exemplified by Mr. Abure. Such actions weaken our party’s credibility and hinder our collective efforts to build a just and equitable society. We must stand united in rejecting any attempts to undermine the rule of law and the democratic principles that guide our party.

I urge INEC to sustain this level of vigilance and impartiality in its oversight of political party affairs. By consistently holding party officials accountable, INEC can help cultivate a political culture where discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law prevail. This will not only enhance public confidence in our electoral system but also contribute significantly to deepening democracy in Nigeria.

The Labour Party, and indeed all political parties, must seize this moment to reflect on their internal governance structures and ensure strict adherence to their constitutions. Let this serve as a clarion call that the strength of our democracy depends on the integrity of its institutions and the accountability of those who lead them.

Signed,
*Oluchi Oparah*
*Former National Treasurer,*
*Labour Party*
*June 29, 2025*