Court dismisses Abure’s objection challenging suspension as LP chair

A federal capital territory (FCT) high court has dismissed the objection raised by Julius Abure challenging his removal as chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

Ruling on an ex parte application on April 5, Hamza Muazu, the presiding judge, had restrained Abure and three others — Farouk Ibrahim, Clement Ojukwu, and Oluchi Opara — from acting as national officers of the LP.

The plaintiffs in the suit marked CV/2930/2023 told the court that the defendants forged several documents of the FCT high court to carry out unlawful substitutions in the last elections.

The suit was filed by Martins Esikpali John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Zekeri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, John Elomah and Ayobami Arabambi.

The defendants, through their lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, filed a preliminary objection against the suit.

Ejesieme said the allegation of forgery against his clients cannot be brought before the court through originating summon.

He also alleged that the plaintiffs are not members of the LP and therefore, lack the locus standi to institute the suit.

The counsel said the matter borders on the internal issues of the party which the court cannot interfere with.

Ruling on the application on Friday, the judge held the court has jurisdiction to adjudicate on issues relating to the party’s internal affairs.

The judge noted that if the party had been at peace, there would be no need for the court to interfere in its affairs.

“When there is no crack on the wall, there will not be need for an outsider to come to mend it,” he said. 

Muazu added that the plaintiffs were right to have instituted the case by originating summons.