THIS DAWN — The Labour Party has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership as the authentic and legitimate leadership of the party.

In a statement issued by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party described the ruling as “a victory for democracy and the rule of law.”

The Labour Party emphasised that the judgment is not a personal triumph for Senator Usman or any officer of the party, but rather a collective victory for democracy, the Labour Party, and the Nigerian people.

Call for Unity and Reconciliation

Acknowledging the protracted and turbulent journey to this point, the party urged members and supporters to avoid triumphalism.

Instead, it called for reconciliation, stressing that “this is a no victor, no vanquished moment.”

The statement reaffirmed that there is only one united and indivisible Labour Party in Nigeria, and the ruling should mark a new beginning anchored on unity, healing, and collective progress.

The party extended an olive branch to all factions, urging aggrieved members to embrace dialogue in the supreme interest of the party.

To further this commitment, the Labour Party announced plans to immediately constitute a Truce and Reconciliation Committee tasked with engaging all stakeholders and restoring lasting harmony within the party.

As a law-abiding institution, the Labour Party called on INEC to comply fully with the judgment and accord Senator Usman’s leadership the formal recognition directed by the court.

The statement concluded by congratulating supporters nationwide for their resilience and steadfastness.

It commended the party’s legal team for its professionalism, and expressing gratitude to the judiciary for standing firm as “the last hope of the common man.”

Labour Party Chairman Nenadi Usman Reacts

On her part, the Labour Party Chairman, Dr. Nenadi Usman, hailed the Federal High Court’s judgment affirming her position as party leader.

She described it as both a triumph for democracy and a decisive turning point for the Labour Party.

Speaking to TVC News shortly after the ruling, Usman expressed satisfaction with the outcome and commended her legal team and the judiciary for their diligence.

She noted that the judiciary had once again demonstrated its vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.

Usman stressed that democracy thrives when supported by an independent and assertive judiciary.

She added that the ruling effectively ends the leadership crisis that has plagued the party since 2023.

She emphasized that the focus must now shift to reconciliation, unity, and rebuilding.

According to her, the Labour Party will immediately begin preparations for congresses at local, state, and national levels.

That will eventually culminate in a national convention aimed at repositioning the party for the future.

‘Peter Obi Left with the Party’s Understanding and Blessing’

On recent defections, including that of Peter Obi, Usman said those who left did so with the party’s understanding and blessing, given the prolonged legal battles.

She reiterated that the Labour Party is not centered on any single individual and remains committed to reorganising itself into a strong and credible political force.

While she has not yet discussed with Obi the possibility of his return ahead of the 2027 elections, Usman wished him well in his political journey.

She further revealed that her faction had operated outside the party’s national headquarters during the dispute.

She expressed confidence that the court’s clear ruling would enable her leadership to take full charge and reposition the party moving forward.