Labour Party said the Wednesday’s judgement that recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as the only valid and legitimate leadership, is a victory for democracy.
Justice Peter Lufi had in his judgement said the tenure of Julius Abure has ended and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accord Usman recognition as the party’s National Chairman.
The party in a statement by Senior Special Adviser (Media), to the interim National Chairman Ken Asogwa, said the victory is not a personal victory for Senator Usman nor for any individual officer of the party.
Labour Party described the journey to the judgement as “protracted, difficult, and at times turbulent,” and urged its members and supporters not to celebrate, with triumphalism.
“Rather, this moment should be embraced as a solemn opportunity for genuine reconciliation.
“For us, it is a no victor, no vanquished moment. Let it be clearly stated: there is only one united and indivisible Labour Party in Nigeria.
“This judgement must mark a new beginning anchored on unity, healing, and collective progress,” the party stated.
It called on Labour Party members who feel aggrieved by the current state of affairs, “including those against whom today’s judgment was delivered,” to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue in the supreme interest of the party.
Labour Party extends an olive branch to all contending tendencies within its fold.
“We sue for peace, plead for dialogue, and seek sincere reconciliation.
“There is enormous work ahead in rebuilding the Labour Party into a strong, credible, and virile opposition platform in Nigeria, a task that can only be accomplished in an atmosphere of unity, cohesion, and mutual respect,” the statement added.
It promised to immediately constitute a Truce and Reconciliation Committee, with the mandate to engage all aggrieved members and restore lasting harmony within the party.
Labour Party also called on INEC “to end all unnecessary distractions by fully complying with (the) judgement and accord Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership the formal recognition clearly and unambiguously directed by the court.”
It commended the team of lawyers for the professionalism and diligence, and expressed gratitude to the judiciary for once again standing firm as the last hope of the common man.
