Court Affirms Nenadi Usman As Labour Party Leader, Dismisses Abure’s Appeal

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has unanimously dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, thereby affirming Nenadi Usman as the legitimate head of the party.

Delivering judgment, a three-member panel of Justices upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had recognised Senator Usman as National Chairman and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) to accord her full recognition.

ABN TV recalls that on January 21, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court reaffirmed the decision of the Supreme Court, which had earlier nullified the convention that produced Abure as chairman.

Dissatisfied, Abure approached the appellate court in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026, seeking to overturn the lower court’s decision. However, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, and supported by Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, the Court of Appeal ruled against him.

The court held that the Supreme Court had conclusively settled the leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, rendering further litigation unnecessary. It also affirmed that the Federal High Court acted within its constitutional powers under Section 251 in compelling INEC to recognise Senator Usman.

Furthermore, the appellate court upheld the legality of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee led by Usman, describing it as a necessary intervention to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.

The Justices faulted Abure for what they described as abuse of court process, citing his attempt to relitigate the matter at a Nasarawa State High Court despite a definitive Supreme Court ruling. They also condemned his continued claim to the party’s leadership in the face of clear judicial pronouncements.

Declaring the appeal lacking in merit, the court dismissed it and imposed a ₦10 million cost against Abure for wasting judicial time.

Reacting to the judgment, Senator Usman hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its firmness and integrity, while thanking party supporters nationwide for their patience and loyalty throughout the crisis.

She urged stakeholders to remain united and focused on the party’s upcoming congresses and national convention, as preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expressed appreciation to the media for professional coverage and called on Nigerians to sustain their confidence in the Labour Party.