The Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has labeled the suspension of its National Chairman, Julius Abure, by the Edo State chapter as “illegal” and “unconstitutional.” This statement comes amidst internal disputes, following Abure’s suspension by his local ward in Esan North-East Local Government for alleged highhandedness and anti-party activities.
Addressing the issue, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, emphasized that only a national convention with a two-thirds majority can suspend the National Chairman, according to the party’s constitution. The state chapter, therefore, lacks the authority to enforce such a suspension.
Ifoh further noted previous court rulings supporting this constitutional framework and advised Abure to ignore the suspension and continue his duties. He characterized the suspension as part of ongoing attacks against Abure, particularly noting incidents during the governorship primaries.