The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming earlier rulings that recognised Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, which had removed Abure as national chairman.
The court ruled that the leadership dispute had already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court in April 2025, when it nullified the convention that produced Abure as chairman. It agreed that the lower court acted within its constitutional powers in directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the rightful leader of the party.
The appellate court further endorsed the establishment of a caretaker committee led by Usman, describing it as a necessary step to fill a leadership vacuum within the party at the time.
In its ruling, the court criticised Abure for what it described as an abuse of court process, noting that he had pursued multiple legal actions, including approaching a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already decided by the apex court. The judges held that the appeal lacked merit and constituted a waste of judicial time.
Consequently, the court dismissed the appeal and imposed a fine of ₦10 million on Abure.
Reacting to the judgment, Usman described the outcome as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for upholding justice despite what she termed attempts to undermine its integrity.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has announced the composition of electoral subcommittees to oversee its forthcoming congresses across the country. The party confirmed that ward congresses will hold on April 23, local government congresses on April 24, and state congresses on April 25, 2026.
According to the party, the subcommittees comprise experienced members tasked with ensuring credible and transparent processes in their respective states. Usman urged the appointed officials to carry out their duties with fairness, integrity, and commitment, stressing that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the exercise.
The latest ruling is expected to bring clarity to the protracted leadership crisis within the Labour Party as it prepares for internal elections and future political engagements.
