The former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for distancing itself from the embattled former National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Oparah praised INEC’s decision to exclude Abure from two recent high-profile events: the groundbreaking ceremony of the commission’s new national headquarters and the INEC–Political Parties Consultative Meeting held on June 26, 2025.
“I commend INEC for taking a commendable and principled stand by excluding Mr. Julius Abure from its recent engagements,” Oparah said.
“This decision is fully consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which overturned earlier judgments that had erroneously ruled in Abure’s favour.”
The Supreme Court ruling referenced by Oparah had nullified earlier court decisions that upheld Abure’s continued leadership amid fierce internal opposition and allegations of constitutional breaches within the party.
INEC’s recent actions, according to Oparah, signal a strong message about institutional integrity and the supremacy of law in the management of political party affairs.
“INEC has sent a clear message that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. The days of impunity must be over,” she added.
Oparah, who served as the LP’s National Treasurer during a turbulent period in the party’s leadership, further lauded the electoral body for refusing to recognise the congresses and primaries conducted by Abure’s faction for the upcoming June 28 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Describing the exercises as “sham congresses and primaries,” she said, “They were an affront to democratic principles and a blatant attempt to subvert the party’s constitution for selfish ends. The exercise lacked legitimacy and transparency and should never be allowed to stand.”
She also took a swipe at Abure’s leadership style, accusing him of clinging to power in defiance of the party’s constitution.
“This sit-tight mentality must be condemned. Leadership in a democracy is not a birthright—it is a trust that must be exercised with accountability, not entitlement.”
Oparah urged members of the Labour Party, civil society, and the general public to support institutions like INEC in their efforts to strengthen democratic norms.
“Our democracy depends on the integrity of institutions and the accountability of those who lead them. I call on all LP members and Nigerians to reject any actions that undermine the rule of law and erode public trust,” she said.
The Labour Party has been engulfed in a leadership crisis for months, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and control over its internal processes.
Abure’s camp has faced increasing opposition, with critics accusing him of manipulating party structures and overstaying his tenure.
