PThe Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three member panel of Justices led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A B Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom Wike concurring, the appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The lower court had reaffirmed the Supreme Court ruling of April 4, 2025, which nullified the convention that returned Abure as National Chairman and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to recognise Usman as the party’s leader.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Abure filed an appeal in suit number CA ABJ CV 255 2026 seeking to overturn the judgment.
However, the appellate court ruled that the issue had already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court and agreed that the Federal High Court acted within its constitutional powers in directing INEC to recognise Usman.
The court also upheld the legitimacy of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee led by Usman, describing it as a necessary measure to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.
The Justices criticised Abure for abuse of court process and forum shopping, noting that he had pursued the matter in multiple courts despite clear pronouncements from the apex court.
The appeal was consequently dismissed for lacking merit, and the court imposed a cost of 10 million naira against Abure for wasting judicial time.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
She commended the judiciary for upholding justice and thanked party members and supporters for their patience and loyalty during the leadership dispute.
Usman also urged stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s upcoming congresses and national convention as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
