By Mary Onyia
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the leadership of the Labour Party under Nenadi Usman, upholding the removal of Julius Abure as National Chairman. In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel, the court dismissed Abure’s appeal, ruling that it lacked merit and amounted to an abuse of court process. The justices also imposed a N10 million fine on Abure for wasting judicial time.
The appellate court agreed with the lower court that Usman’s caretaker committee represents the authentic leadership of the party, citing the doctrine of necessity to justify its emergence amid a leadership vacuum. It further held that the lower court acted within its constitutional powers under Section 251 by directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as chairman. The panel criticised Abure for forum shopping and persisting with claims already settled by the Supreme Court.
The Labour Party’s internal crisis dates back to disputes over party structure and leadership control following the 2023 general elections, tensions that deepened after the exit of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Obi’s departure exposed longstanding divisions between party executives and key stakeholders, triggering parallel claims to leadership and a protracted legal battle over legitimacy.
Reacting to the ruling, Usman reportedly described the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for its firmness. She thanked party members for their patience and urged stakeholders to focus on upcoming congresses and the national convention, as the party regroups ahead of the 2027 elections.