The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Labour Party (LP) led by Senator Nenadi Usman is jubilating over the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise it as the leadership of the party.

INEC, in compliance with the judgment of an Abuja Federal High Court, uploaded the name of Senator Nenadi Usman on its portal as the national chairman of the LP.

The National Working Committee (NWC) chaired by Barrister Julius Abure and Usman’s INWC have been contesting the leadership of the party, factionalising the membership.

Both are planning for separate national conventions. But, INEC lately recognised Usman by uploading her name on its portal as directed by the court.

While reacting to the decision of INEC on Saturday, the INWC commended the electoral umpire for following the rule of law.

“The leadership of the Labour Party has received with relief and joy the official recognition of its Interim National Leadership, led by Senator Nenadi E. Usman, as the valid and lawful leadership of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This recognition is in strict compliance with the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, which expressly directed INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership as the only legitimate leadership of the Labour Party, to the exclusion of all other persons laying claim to such positions.

“The Labour Party sincerely appreciates the current leadership of INEC for standing firmly on the side of the law, justice, and constitutionalism, and for demonstrating clear obedience to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the Senior Special Adviser on Media to Senator Usman, Mr Ken Asogwa, stated.

The party called on members to unite and support the leadership, expressing the belief that the decision of the court and INEC’s compliance had ended the lingering leadership crisis.

“We believe this development brings to an end the prolonged distractions and internal uncertainties the party has endured over the past year. We therefore call on our teeming members across the federation to unite and support the interim leadership as it works assiduously to reposition the party for victory in the forthcoming elections.

“As a major opposition party, the Labour Party remains committed to its responsibility of providing Nigerians with a credible, people-oriented alternative platform. Achieving this goal requires unity, dedication, and collective sacrifice from all stakeholders”, Usman’s office said.

Thanking party faithful for their support, it added, “We extend our profound gratitude to our supporters nationwide for their resilience, steadfastness, and unwavering belief in the struggle. We also commend the judiciary for consistently upholding justice as the last hope of the common man, and appreciate the Nigerian media for remaining principled and steadfast in the pursuit of truth and fairness.

“As we intensify efforts to rebuild and strengthen our structures nationwide, we appeal for the patience and continued support of Nigerians. Conscious of the limited time before the next election cycle, the party assures the public of its resolve to work tirelessly to restore the Labour Party to winning ways and achieve its set objectives in the shortest possible time.”

The Abure camp has yet to make a formal reaction to the latest development. (TRIBUNE)