A Federal High Court in Abuja has finally affirmed and cleared Mr Adejoh Okeme as the legitimate gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Kogi State ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
The court also validated Julius Abure as the national chairman of the party and ruled that Basiru Lamidi Apapa had been officially suspended by the party and was not the rightful national chairman.
Addressing newsmen in lokoja on Thursday, the state publicity secretary of LP, Emmanuel Idakwo said the ruling
delivered on the 7th of September 2023, by the Honourable presiding Judge; Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu was a landmark judgment.
The matter was brought before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/598/2023, with Col. (Dr) Vincent Enemona Abu (Rtd) as the plaintiff and defendants including the Independent National Electoral Commission, Labour Party, and Adejoh Okeme. Barrister Ataguba Aboje, Esq, represented the Labour Party and BarristerAdejoh Okeme.
After a meticulous review of the evidence and arguments presented by both parties, the Honourable Presiding Judge, Justice Obiora. A. Egwuatu delivered judgement upholding the national chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure and affirming that Alhaji Basiru Lamidi Apapa had been officially suspended by the party and was not the rightful national chairman.
The judgment validated Barrister Adejoh Okeme’s candidacy as the genuine gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Kogi State.
In the words of the State Publicity Secretary of Labour Party :”The Federal High Court’s decision is a momentous affirmation of the rule of law, signifying Labour Party’s unwavering commitment to internal democracy. A new Kogi State and Nigeria is possible as the mandate of the people is secured by the law.
“This landmark judgment not only reaffirms Julius Abure as the rightful National Chairman but also provides a much-needed clarification regarding the party’s leadership structure, solidifying Barrister Adejoh Okeme’s legitimate candidacy for the gubernatorial race in Kogi State.
“This legal victory for Barrister Adejoh Okeme and the Labour Party significantly alters the political landscape and calculations for the upcoming Kogi State Gubernatorial Elections in November 2023.
“As the countdown to the much anticipated November election continues, Barrister Adejoh Okeme and the labour party is set to hit the ground running massively by unfolding his master plan that will rescue Kogi State, and move the state forward ” he added.
