The internal rift within the Labour Party (LP) has taken another turn as the party’s former National Treasurer, Oluchi Oparah, has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for excluding former LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, from its recent activities.
In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Oparah described INEC’s actions as a “commendable and principled stand,” particularly its decision to leave Abure out of the groundbreaking ceremony for the commission’s new national headquarters and the INEC, Political Parties Consultative Meeting held on June 26, 2025.
“This decision is fully consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which overturned earlier judgments that had erroneously ruled in Abure’s favour,” Oparah stated.
She noted that INEC’s move demonstrated its commitment to upholding the constitutional frameworks that govern political parties in the country.
She went on to commend INEC for its refusal to endorse what she termed “sham congresses and primaries” conducted by Abure’s camp ahead of the June 28, 2025, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. She criticized the exercises as an “affront to democratic principles.”
Oparah didn’t hold back in her condemnation of Abure, accusing him of clinging to power contrary to the party’s constitution.
“INEC’s clear message is that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law,” she said.
“This should deter party officials who flout their party’s constitution for personal gain.”
She urged the electoral commission to remain vigilant in overseeing internal party activities, emphasizing the importance of discipline and accountability in political leadership.
Oparah said such efforts are crucial in bolstering trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Finally, she encouraged LP members and the general public to resist any behavior that threatens the rule of law, noting that “the strength of our democracy depends on the integrity of its institutions and the accountability of those who lead them.”
