The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, has flatly rejected the Federal High Court ruling that removed Julius Abure as the party’s National Chairman, insisting that the judgement misrepresented the Supreme Court’s April 4 decision and lacked jurisdiction.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Arabambi described the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu as a “farce”, arguing that no lower court has the authority to interpret, vary, or expand a Supreme Court judgement.
“The Honourable Justice Peter Lifu made an allusion to a statement from the Supreme Court judgement of April 4, where he allegedly said the Supreme Court affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as leader of the Labour Party. That is a farce. It is not true,” Arabambi said.
He added:“Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is very clear that no court, whether big or small, has the power to review or reinterpret the judgement of the Supreme Court except the Supreme Court itself.”
Arabambi insisted that the apex court never declared Abure’s election invalid nor pronounced Nenadi Usman as Labour Party leader.
“I am saying this clearly on international television: the Supreme Court never said Julius Abure was not validly elected. The Supreme Court never said his tenure expired.”
The Labour Party chieftain accused the Federal High Court of relying on obiter dicta rather than the operative parts of the Supreme Court ruling.
“What Justice Lifu relied on was an admonition by the Supreme Court, not the operative dictum. The judge took what was clearly advisory and treated it as binding. That is not the law,” he said.
Arabambi further alleged procedural irregularities, claiming the court failed to consider key objections.
“Our preliminary objection challenging jurisdiction was not heard. INEC’s position was not fully considered. Up till today, we have not been given the Certified True Copy of that judgement, yet we were expected to appeal.”
He disclosed that the party has already filed an appeal and a motion for stay of execution.
“We quickly filed our appeal. We also filed a motion for stay of execution because we know how these things work. The Labour Party will not be strangulated.”
Arabambi gave a detailed account of Julius Abure’s leadership timeline, insisting his tenure remains valid.
“Julius Abure became National Secretary in 2019 and National Chairman in 2021. His tenure was due to expire in 2023, but because of ongoing litigation, the National Executive Council extended it by one year, which is within NEC’s constitutional powers.”
He added:“A valid national convention was held in 2024 in line with Section 82 of the Electoral Act. INEC was duly notified. His tenure effectively commenced again in 2024. The Supreme Court did not say otherwise.”
Arabambi also took aim at former presidential candidate Peter Obi, disputing claims that he has formally exited the Labour Party.
“Peter Obi has not resigned from the Labour Party. Let him tender a resignation letter. There is no political party called ‘coalition’ in Nigeria.”
He accused Obi and some governors of attempting to hijack the party.
“Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti convened an illegal NEC meeting. They are not authorised to do that. They cannot appoint Nenadi Usman and impose her on the Labour Party.”
Arabambi insisted that Obi’s political relevance has waned.
“Peter Obi did not make the Labour Party; the Labour Party made Peter Obi. Nigerians voted out of anger against the old order, not because of Obi alone.”
Despite the ongoing litigation, Arabambi expressed confidence in the party’s future.
“The valid chairman of the Labour Party remains Julius Abure until the Court of Appeal decides otherwise. We are not afraid of the law. We will go all the way.”
He dismissed fears that the party could miss the 2027 elections.
“This matter will be resolved. Courts understand the urgency. The Labour Party will be on the ballot in 2027.”
Arabambi concluded by insisting that the party remains strong and constitutionally grounded.
“Political parties must obey their constitutions. We have done that. History will vindicate us.”
Boluwatife Enome
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