Original News Summary: The Labour Party has expressed concern as the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal annuls the election victories of several party members in various states, citing issues related to party membership and nomination. The party argues that membership matters should be internal affairs beyond the court’s jurisdiction and questions the conflicting judgments issued by different tribunals on the same issues. The party’s National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, calls for the Nigerian Judicial Council to review the actions of legal practitioners involved in these cases, expressing dissatisfaction with what he deems reckless judgments.
Unique News Report: The Labour Party finds itself in a state of alarm as the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal delivers a series of verdicts nullifying the election victories of its members in multiple states. The grounds for these rulings often revolve around purported irregularities in party membership and nomination processes.
In response to this disconcerting trend, the Labour Party has raised its voice through its National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure. He contends that issues related to party membership are inherently internal matters that should not fall within the purview of the judiciary. Barr. Abure further points out the perplexing fact that different tribunals are rendering contradictory judgments on identical issues, a situation that has already been addressed by the Supreme Court and more recently in the Presidential Election Petition Court’s decision in APC v Peter Obi.
The Chairman firmly asserts that the courts have consistently upheld the principle that they lack the authority to meddle in the internal affairs of political parties. He underscores that only the party itself has the prerogative to determine its membership and select its candidates for elections.
Expressing his deep dismay, Barr. Abure describes these tribunal judgments as reckless and raises concerns about the conduct of the judges involved. He calls upon the Nigerian Judicial Council to intervene and scrutinize the actions of legal practitioners participating in these cases, emphasizing that these decisions are deeply troubling.
While acknowledging that the tribunal’s decisions can be appealed and are not final, Barr. Abure voices strong dissatisfaction with the perceived recklessness displayed by judicial officers in delivering judgments that raise suspicions.
In conclusion, Barr. Abure underscores the importance of the Labour Party’s continued participation in the political landscape and urges an end to the dominance of a single-party system, which he perceives as being actively pursued by the ruling party. He advocates for a fair and equitable political environment that does not marginalize the Labour Party.
