The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and members of the party’s 29-man caretaker committee have announced their decision to appeal the recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which affirmed Julius Abure’s position as the National Chairman of the party.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, declared the March Nnewi convention that re-elected Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) members as valid, thus restoring the legitimacy and privileges of the current party leadership. The court ruled that the convention was constitutional and aligned with the country’s laws.

In response to the ruling, Senator Nenadi Usman, the Chairman of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, confirmed the decision to challenge the court’s judgment. This resolution came after a meeting between Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the committee’s Secretary.

Usman urged party members to remain calm and peaceful as the caretaker committee works toward reconciliation and appeals the decision. She emphasized that the case, which preceded the formation of the caretaker committee, was crucial to the future of the party.

“We have resolved to appeal the judgment accordingly,” Usman stated. “I, therefore, call on all party members to remain calm and maintain peace as we continue our reconciliation efforts.”

The court’s ruling comes amid ongoing disputes within the party, particularly with party bigwigs who oppose Abure’s reelection. These members argued that the Nnewi convention, which led to Abure’s return to office, lacked inclusivity and did not properly represent the party’s interests.

In response to the tensions, Abure has expressed a willingness to engage in reconciliation and has appealed to Peter Obi to help mediate with other aggrieved members and stakeholders.