By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Prof. Ifagbemi Awamaridi, has dismissed the recent pronouncement by the Appeal Court, emphasizing that it carries neither declarative nor consequential weight on the party’s political standing. In a statement released on Friday in Lagos, Awamaridi addressed inquiries regarding the effect of the Appeal Court’s decision led by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka.
Awamaridi clarified that the court’s ruling did not address the legal or technical status of the Labour Party but rather focused on a case initiated by Abayomi Sunday Onigbinde Oluwafemi, commonly known as Arabambi, which he deemed “frivolously initiated” and “dead on arrival.” He pointed out that the case, brought as an Originating Summons instead of a Writ of Summons, lacked jurisdiction and failed to determine the party’s legitimacy.
Highlighting alleged corruption within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the former executives of the party, led by Julius Abure and Arabambi, Awamaridi expressed determination to resist attempts to deregister the Labour Party. He accused the former executives of committing “satanic” and “jailable” atrocities, urging genuine party members to remain steadfast.
Despite challenges posed by the former executives’ purported financial influence, Awamaridi affirmed the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions. He reassured supporters that the Labour Party, operating under the 2014 constitution, would continue its operations undeterred by external pressures.
Awamaridi’s call for unity among party members and pledge to hold INEC accountable for its responsibilities in accordance with the law.