The Labour Party has categorically denied the suspension of its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, by the ward executive of Ward 3, Arue, Utomi, Esan North East, Edo State.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party emphasized that Abure remains unsuspended and retains his position as the national chairman.
The party clarified that the only legitimate avenue for removing or suspending the national chairman is through a national convention convened specifically for that purpose, as stipulated in the party’s constitution.
According to Article 17 subsection 1 (2019) of the Labour Party’s constitution, only the National Convention, with a two-thirds majority, can suspend or remove the National Chairman.
The ward, local government, or state levels lack the authority to take such action.
Furthermore, the Court of Appeal in Benin Division, in a ruling on August 14, 2023, confirmed that the Ward executive does not possess the power to suspend or remove the National Chairman.
The court upheld the judgment of the lower court, reinforcing the constitutional provisions.
Thompson Ehiguese, the Chairman of Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East, also debunked the purported suspension in a viral video, affirming the ward’s loyalty to Abure and acknowledging their limited constitutional authority.
The Labour Party leadership is actively investigating the source of the alleged suspension letter and will take appropriate disciplinary action against any party officer found guilty of contravening party rules.
