Olu Samuel, Lokoja

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed Barrister Adejoh Okeme as the legitimate gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Kogi State.

The Court also ruled that Julius Abure is the authentic National Chairman of the party.

The State Publicity Secretary of Labour Party Idakwo Emmanuel in a press briefing with news men at Labour Party State secretariat Lokoja shared his thoughts on the outcome of the judgment, emphasizing the significance of the Federal High Court’s judgment.

Emmanuel said the rulling was delivered on the 7th of September 2023,by Honourable presiding Judge; Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu.

According to him,”The matter was brought before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/598/2023, with Col. (Dr) Vincent Enemona Abu (Rtd) as the plaintiff and defendants including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Labour Party, and Adejoh Okeme while Barrister Ataguba Aboje, Esq, represented the Labour Party and BarristerAdejoh Okeme.

“After a meticulous review of the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the Honourable Presiding Ju’dge, Justice Obiora. A. Egwuatu delivered judgement upholding the national chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure and affirming that Alhaji Basiru Lamidi Apapa had been officially suspended by the party and was not the rightful national chairman. Most importantly, the judgment validated Barrister Adejoh Okeme’s candidacy as the genuine gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Kogi State. He noted

He stated, “The Federal High Court’s decision is a momentous affirmation of the rule of law, signifying Labour Party’s unwavering commitment to internal democracy.

“This landmark judgment not only reaffirms Julius Abure as the rightful National Chairman but also provides a much-needed clarification regarding the party’s leadership structure, solidifying Barrister Adejoh Okeme’s legitimate candidacy for the gubernatorial race in Kogi State.

This legal victory for Barrister Adejoh Okeme and the Labour Party significantly alters the political landscape and calculations for the upcoming Kogi State Gubernatorial Elections in November 2023.” He said

Okeme, who had been caught in a contentious battle for the party’s candidacy, now emerges as a formidable contender against the incumbent governor’s anointed successor,Ahmed Usman Ododo.

“As the countdown to the much anticipated November election continues, Barrister Adejoh Okeme and the labour party is set to hit the ground running massively by unfolding his master plan that will rescue Kogi State, and move the state from consumption civil servants state to a production hub.”
Idakwo Emmanuel added.