Lifestyle Nigeria gathered that the Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal Capital Territory High Court which restrained Julius Abure and two others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

Ruling on an ex parte application on April 5, 2023, Hamza Muazu, the Presiding Judge, had restrained Abure, Farouk Ibrahim, Clement Ojukwu, and Oluchi Opara from acting as national officers of the LP.

The court also dismissed the objection raised by Abure challenging his removal as chairman of the LP.

The suit which was filed by Martins Esikpali John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Zekeri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, John Elomah, and Ayobami Arabambi accused Abure and others of forging several documents of the FCT high court to carry out unlawful substitutions in the last elections.

The defendants, however, approached the appeal court for redress.

Delivering the lead judgement on Wednesday, Justice Hamman Barka held that the high court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

He also awarded N1m in favour of the appellants.

Details later…

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed Julius Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

The court also set aside the decision of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court which last year, restrained Abure and two others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

In the judgement delivered by Justice Hamma Barka on Wednesday, the Appellate Court held that the high court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

The Appellate Court also awarded a cost of One million Naira in favour of Abure and against the respondent, Lamidi Apapa.

Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court had last year, granted and ex-parte order, ordering that Abure and two other national officers stop parading themselves as leaders of the party for allegedly forging national documents but the Appellate Court set the verdict aside.

Following the 2023 presidential poll with LP’s Peter Obi coming third, Abure has been in a protracted legal conflict with Apapa who laid claim to the party’s chairmanship.

On March 21, 2024, Abure was arrested in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with viral videos showing him being manhandled by policemen, even as LP supporters fought to prevent his arrest.

The police had said Abure was arrested for attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offences. The LP chairman was later released on bail the following day after protests by LP members.

All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ekiti State, Paul Omotoso, is dead.

Gatekeepers News reports that Omotoso died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness.

According to reports, Omotoso who actively participated in a series of political meetings on Monday, was in the office on Tuesday but later complained that he felt feverish in the evening.

The deceased was kidnapped last year but regained freedom a few days later.

Former Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed his condolences over Omotoso’s demise.

Fayemi described Omotoso as a committed leader, unifier, and key figure in the party in the state.

In a statement signed by the head of his media office, Ahmad Sajoh, on Wednesday, Fayemi said the party chairman’s unexpected exit has created a significant gap within the APC family in the state and among all those familiar with the departed party leader.

He praised the late Omotoso as a dedicated leader and unwavering advocate of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.

“Under his stewardship, our party achieved significant victories in recent elections, gaining the trust of our people. This would not have been possible without his commitment to uniting our members and working selflessly for the greater good of our state and nation,’’ he said.

Fayemi noted that Omotoso had been a loyal member of the party for many years, starting from the Alliance for Democracy days.

Omotoso also held various positions within the party, including secretary and chairman of the APC. He had previously served as Commissioner for Local Government and Environment during Fayemi’s first term as governor, from 2010 to 2014.

Fayemi added, “Omotoso’s contributions and sacrifices for our party will never be forgotten. He was a man of integrity who led by example, inspiring the party faithful with his passion for service and dedication. His leadership kept us united and focused on our mission even in the face of challenges.

“Ekiti State and the APC have lost a pillar, a grassroots mobilizer, and a committed leader. We mourn this devastating loss, but we take solace in the lasting legacy and sterling example he leaves behind.

“His ideals and examples will continue to guide us as we rededicate ourselves to the vision of a more prosperous Ekiti. In this moment of sorrow, I urge all members and supporters of our party to remain strong and united in honouring the memory of our late chairman.

“On behalf of my family, I extend my deep condolences to the Ekiti State chapter of the APC, the family and associates of the late Chairman and the people of Ekiti on this irreparable loss.”