The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has welcomed the Court of Appeal ruling in her favour, describing it as a triumph for democracy and justice.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, Usman expressed gratitude over the judgment.
She said, “I honestly was happy and grateful to Almighty God because I felt it was a victory for democracy, I felt it was a victory for the rule of law. I felt the right thing had been done. I felt it was all about justice, fairness.”
The LP chairman also appreciated the judiciary and party faithful for their support throughout the legal battle.
“I must thank the judiciary for what they have done… I also want to thank members of the Labour Party… Nigerians who have been calling to express solidarity… I’m sincerely very grateful,” she said.
Usman urged Nigerians not to generalise perceptions about the judiciary, noting that like other professions, it has both competent and less effective individuals.
She said, “I wouldn’t stereotype… in every profession… there are always the good people and… those who are not so good.”
On the party’s internal crisis, Usman described multiple suits filed across jurisdictions as attempts to destabilise the party.
“It was a case to destabilize the party… nothing less than eight different cases in eight different courts… all seeking one relief,” she said.
Insists Leadership Is Recognised
She dismissed claims that her leadership lacks acceptance within the party, citing recent verification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Today we had a verification exercise that INEC came to our office… it went very well,” she said, adding that members across factions participated.
Usman said the party had commenced internal processes to strengthen unity, including ward congresses and a planned national convention.
“Tomorrow we are starting our congresses… it’s going to culminate into the national convention,” she stated.
She added, “We just want to build the party… leadership… has a tenure… you come, you go, but the party should remain.”
The LP chairman expressed optimism about reconciliation among aggrieved members.
“Reconciliation is possible… the interest of the party was foremost in their minds,” she said. She also urged opposing factions to halt further litigation.
“I just wish he would bury the hatchet… pay the 10 million Naira imposed on him, and then… let’s build the party,” she added.
Usman stressed the need for political parties to strengthen internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
“Most of these things internally… will be sorted out and wouldn’t need… going to the courts,” she said.
Looking ahead, she said Nigerians should expect a party grounded in its founding principles of social justice and equal opportunity.
She pointed to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, as an example of the party’s ideals in practice.
“We want other people to come… join, participate in electoral processes… you cannot change from outside,” she urged.
