There is rejoicing in the ranks of the Labour Party (LP) following the final recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the Senator Nenadi Sambo-led Caretaker National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
The development has foreclosed all speculations as to the position of the INEC on the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the power of a political party to take extraordinary steps, including setting up a caretaker committee, to resolve its internal feud, and the Abuja High Court’s directive to INEC to recognise the Sambo-led caretaker committee.
In a statement issued on Saturday – earlier today, January 31 – the party said the recognition came 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 the position.
“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 statement signed by Mrs. Sambo read, in part.
“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.”
LP assured that as a major opposition party, it 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,” the statement further read.
“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.”
