An Abia State High Court sitting in Ukwa Judicial Division has affirmed the leadership of Emmanuel Otti as the legitimate Chairman of Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, dealing a significant blow to the Julius Abure-led faction of the party.
In its ruling, the court restrained Prince G.O. Ndubueze from parading himself as the Abia State Chairman of LP or interfering with Otti's activities in the state chapter of the party.
Court Declares Suspension Unlawful
The court declared that the suspension from office imposed on Emmanuel Otti by the Julius Abure-led faction based on the 2024 constitution of the party was "unlawful, unconstitutional and of no legal effect."
In a critical aspect of the judgment, the Abia High Court ruled that the 2024 constitution of LP used by Julius Abure in suspending Emmanuel Otti has not been duly recognised or ratified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required under the law.
Factional Leadership Crisis
Prior to this ruling, two factions had been claiming control of the Labour Party in Abia State. Emmanuel Otti's faction has been aligned with Governor Alex Otti and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, while Prince G.O. Ndubueze's group pledged loyalty to the Julius Abure-led national leadership.
This judgment represents a significant development in the ongoing leadership tussle within the Labour Party, which has seen various factions emerge at both state and national levels since the 2023 general elections.
The court's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the party's structure and operations in Abia State as it prepares for future electoral contests.
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