Members of the Labour Party in the National Assembly are facing a political storm as tribunal rulings threaten their standing following the 2023 general election. Despite emerging as the third-largest party, several tribunal verdicts across the country have been unfavorable for Labour Party lawmakers, with many being sacked over issues like lack of proper nomination and other pre-election matters.
The first blow came from Delta State, where Ngozi Okolie was removed as a Representative, and Ndudi Elumelu was declared the winner. Similar cases unfolded in Abia State, Lagos State, and other regions, jeopardizing the political future of Labour Party members.
The Court of Appeal, however, overturned the tribunal ruling in the case of Ngozi Okolie and Ndudi Elumelu, giving hope to the affected lawmakers. Legal experts suggest that the decisions in high-profile cases, such as Kashim Shettima and Peter Obi, will likely influence the fate of Labour Party members, particularly regarding pre-election matters.
Tejumola Banigbe, a legal practitioner, emphasized that party membership issues are internal party affairs and pre-election matters, making external challenges legally questionable. However, concerns arise due to the judiciary’s perceived inconsistencies in recent judgments.
Henry Eni-Otu, another legal practitioner, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would affirm the victory of Labour Party lawmakers, citing non-justiciability of party membership issues and the pre-election nature of certain concerns.
While the fate of Labour Party members remains uncertain pending the Appeal Court’s rulings, the developments underscore the legal intricacies shaping the post-election landscape and the critical role of the judiciary in determining political outcomes. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is also grappling with similar challenges, with the tribunal decisions in Kano State posing difficulties for the party’s House of Representatives members. The unfolding legal battles hold significant implications for the political trajectory of these parties and their representatives in the National Assembly.
