The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory is currently seized with a matter involving Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, who has been suspended from the party.
The court has set May 12 as the date for ruling on Abure’s application against his suspension, which has been challenged on the grounds of alleged fraud, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Along with three members of the National Leadership of the Labour party, Abure has been restrained from acting as executives in the party pending the outcome of the case.
The defendants have argued that the lawsuit relates to the party’s internal affairs and is therefore beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
During the recent hearing on the matter, the defendants raised a preliminary objection and contended that the court lacked jurisdiction over the case, as it concerns the internal affairs of the party.
However, the eight claimants in the case filed a separate proceeding for contempt against Abure, his co-defendants and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC] for allegedly violating a court order.
This case is being closely watched by observers, as it has significant implications for the future of the Labour Party, which has been beset by infighting and allegations of corruption.
The ruling of the court on May 12 is expected to provide much-needed clarity on the legality of Abure’s suspension and the broader issues at stake in the case.
