The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming earlier rulings that removed him as National Chairman and recognising Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the party.
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 reaffirmed the earlier ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on April 4, 2025. That judgment nullified the convention that produced Abure as chairman and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as party leader.
The court held that the Supreme Court had conclusively settled the leadership dispute, leaving no room for further litigation on the matter. It ruled that Abure’s appeal lacked merit and amounted to an abuse of court process.
The justices also endorsed the authority of the lower court under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel INEC, as a statutory federal agency, to carry out its duties, including recognising the appropriate leadership of the party. In addition, the court validated the establishment of the Labour Party caretaker committee led by Usman, describing it as a “doctrine of necessity” to fill a leadership vacuum.
In a strongly worded judgment, the court criticised Abure for engaging in forum shopping by approaching a Nasarawa State High Court on an issue already decided by the Supreme Court, and for continuing to lay claim to the party’s leadership despite clear judicial pronouncements.
Consequently, the appellate court imposed a cost of N10 million against Abure for “wasting judicial time on a matter that had already been conclusively determined,” while formally dismissing the appeal.
Reacting to the ruling, Usman described the judgment as a significant affirmation of democratic principles. “This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law,” she said, commending the judiciary for what she termed its courage and steadfastness in upholding justice despite attempts to undermine its integrity.
She also thanked party members and supporters for their patience and loyalty during the protracted legal battle, urging them to focus on rebuilding the party. Usman called on stakeholders to remain committed ahead of the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention, as the Labour Party seeks to stabilise its leadership and reposition itself within Nigeria’s political landscape.
