The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a sharp rebuke over Julius Abure’s continued occupation of the national chairmanship of the Labour Party, describing it as a blatant disregard for a Supreme Court judgment that effectively stripped him of any legal claim to the position.
The group raised serious concerns about the implications of Abure’s actions on the nation’s legal and democratic systems, warning that his refusal to step aside undermines not only the authority of the judiciary but also the foundations of constitutional governance.
In its formal statement released on Friday, the advocacy group accused Abure of acting in direct violation of a clear and final decision from the apex court, which dismissed his appeal seeking confirmation of his leadership status. Despite the ruling, Abure has reportedly continued to operate in the role of national chairman, a move HURIWA characterized as deliberate, destabilizing, and entirely incompatible with the rule of law.
The association emphasized that compliance with judicial decisions is not optional and warned that persistent defiance by political figures sets a dangerous precedent for the country.
HURIWA expressed alarm at the apparent ease with which court orders are now ignored without consequence, pointing out that this growing culture of impunity has crept into party politics and public institutions alike. The association said that the Supreme Court’s verdict was not open to interpretation and accused Abure of exploiting political influence to retain control of the Labour Party in defiance of the law.
The continued operation of a national political party in open contradiction to a Supreme Court ruling, it argued, erodes the legitimacy of legal institutions and weakens the nation’s democratic framework.
The group cited concerns raised by legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, who has criticized the increasing tendency of political actors to misrepresent judicial decisions to suit personal agendas. Ubani warned that this behavior not only damages the integrity of the courts but also threatens public trust in the justice system. He argued that when court decisions are misused or mischaracterized for political survival, the entire legal framework becomes vulnerable to manipulation.
Against this backdrop, HURIWA called for urgent intervention by the Nigeria Police Force, urging them to uphold the court’s decision by removing Abure from the Labour Party’s national headquarters. According to the group, the enforcement of legal rulings should not be selective or dependent on political affiliation. It urged the police not to serve as an appendage of the ruling party but to carry out their constitutional duty without fear or favor. HURIWA stated that a police force that respects its oath to uphold the Constitution cannot stand by while the authority of the Supreme Court is openly challenged.
In addition to calling on the police, HURIWA criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for remaining passive in the face of clear violations of the Electoral Act and the court ruling. The group maintained that INEC’s oversight responsibilities go beyond conducting elections—it is also charged with ensuring that political parties comply with democratic and legal standards. By remaining silent on Abure’s continued stay in office, the commission, HURIWA argued, is failing to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which played a central role in founding the Labour Party, was also urged to reassert its influence. HURIWA argued that the NLC could not afford to watch from the sidelines while judicial orders are flouted and party structures are hijacked. According to the group, the Labour Party’s legitimacy hinges on its internal democratic process, which must reflect the rule of law. It pledged to support any efforts by the NLC to reclaim the party and restore order in line with legal and democratic norms.
HURIWA did not mince words in its final remarks. It warned that the ongoing situation is not merely a party crisis but a reflection of a broader national pattern where legal institutions are treated with disregard. The group warned that when Supreme Court decisions are treated as mere suggestions, the entire justice system becomes vulnerable to collapse. It described Abure’s insistence on remaining in office as symptomatic of a larger national crisis in which those in positions of influence defy legal mandates without facing consequences.
The group concluded by calling for immediate enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the reinstatement of the Interim National Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, and a clear message that judicial decisions will be respected without exception. Anything less, it warned, would set a precedent that could erode the very core of Nigeria’s democratic order.
