The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has extended an olive branch to his political rivals, forgiving those who he claims engaged in character assassination during the party’s leadership crisis.
His statement came following a decisive ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which upheld the Labour Party’s National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on March 27, 2024, affirming his re-election for a second term.
In his first official response since the court ruling, Abure urged party members, including Peter Obi, whom he referred to as “the former LP Presidential Candidate,” to focus on uniting the party.
Abure’s message of reconciliation was shared in a public statement titled “A New Dawn for Labour Party: Victory, Forgiveness, and Unity,” where he lauded the courage of the judiciary in delivering an unbiased judgment, free from external pressure.
Now that the court has spoken, I extend my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine the party, engaged in character assassination, and spread falsehoods about me personally,” Abure said.
In line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, I forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. However, forgiveness must come with repentance and restitution.
He emphasized the importance of reflection and accountability, urging those involved in the internal strife to come forward with a “repentant heart” and to take responsibility for the harm caused to the party.
Abure also used the opportunity to call on Peter Obi to take an active role in reuniting the party, emphasizing that now is the time for healing and restructuring within the LP.
In reflecting on the legal victory, he praised the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, whose judgment confirmed the legitimacy of the Nnewi convention. “This victory belongs not just to me, but to the ideals of justice and democracy,” Abure declared. “It reaffirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of our party’s leadership.
Abure also acknowledged the contributions of other key judicial figures, including Justice Omotosho, whose earlier ruling in favor of the Nnewi convention laid the foundation for subsequent court victories, and Justice C.K. Nwankwo of Abia High Court, who resisted external pressures to grant dubious orders against the party’s leadership.
Looking ahead, Abure expressed optimism about the future of the Labour Party, describing this moment as the beginning of a new era.
He emphasized the need to rebuild the party’s structure, reconnect with grassroots supporters, and heal the divisions that have surfaced in recent months.
We will focus on strengthening our organization from the ground up, healing old wounds, and emerging stronger than ever before,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s mission of fighting for the common people.
News360 Info recalls that this legal victory comes after a faction led by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti convened in Umuahia and attempted to dissolve Abure’s leadership.
They appointed an interim 29-member committee under Senator Nanedi Usman to manage the party for 90 days, tasked with organizing congresses from the ward level up to a national convention.
