The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed Julius Abure’s appeal and affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate National Chairman of the Labour Party. The judgment not only upheld earlier rulings by the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court but also fined Abure ₦10 million for abuse of judicial process.
Background of
the Case
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis for several years. Julius Abure, who previously served as National Chairman, was removed after the Supreme Court ruled on April 4, 2025, that the convention which returned him to office was invalid. Following this, a caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman was constituted under the doctrine of necessity to fill the leadership vacuum.
Court of
Appeal’s Decision
On April 21, 2026, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi with Justices Abba Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, unanimously dismissed Abure’s appeal. The court held that:
- The Supreme Court had already conclusively settled the leadership
dispute in 2025.
- The Federal High Court acted within its constitutional powers under
Section 251 when it directed the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) to recognise Usman as the National Chairman.
- The caretaker committee under Usman was lawful and necessary to provide leadership during the vacuum.
Criticism of
Abure’s Actions
The justices strongly criticised Abure for abuse of court process and forum shopping, noting that he sought relief from a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already conclusively decided by the Supreme Court. His persistence in laying claim to the party’s leadership despite clear judicial pronouncements was described as a misuse of judicial time.
Consequences
of the Ruling
The appeal was declared devoid of merit, and Abure was ordered to pay ₦10 million in costs. This ruling effectively closes another chapter in the Labour Party’s leadership tussle, reinforcing Usman’s position as the party’s leader ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Reaction from
Nenadi Usman
Senator Nenadi Usman hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, thanking party members for their patience during the crisis. She urged stakeholders to remain focused on upcoming congresses and the national convention, stressing unity as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaway
This ruling cements Nenadi Usman’s leadership of the Labour Party and signals the judiciary’s firm stance against repeated litigation on matters already conclusively settled. For the Labour Party, it provides clarity and stability as it moves toward the 2027 elections.
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