Justice Hamza Muazu of an Abuja High Court has issued an order of stay execution, suspending the suspension of Julius Abure, Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), and two other national officials.

The court ruling prevents Abure, the National Organizing Secretary Clement Ojukwu, and National Treasurer Oluchi Opara from representing themselves as LP national officers.

The plaintiffs in the case, Martins Esikpali John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Zekeri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, John Elomah, and Dr Ayobami Arabambi, sought the removal of Abure and the three officials through an ex-parte motion. Justice Muazu initially granted the suspension order pending further appeal by the defendants.

ALSO READ: Labour Party warns state chairmen against joining Lamidi-led faction or lose their seats

The interim injunction, issued on April 5, prohibited Abure, Ibrahim, Ojukwu, and Opara from assuming their positions within the LP. At the recent hearing, the defendants informed the court of their pending notice of appeal at the court of appeal. After considering arguments from both sides, the judge granted a stay on the suspension order.

During the proceedings, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, asserting that the matter concerned the internal affairs of the Labour Party.

Ejesieme stated that the plaintiffs, who were not members of the party’s National Executive Council, lacked the standing to bring the case.

George Ibrahim, counsel for the plaintiffs, objected to the preliminary objection and urged the court to dismiss it. He highlighted that the defendants had not complied with the court’s April 5 order, as they were still representing themselves as national officers of the LP.