The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming an earlier ruling that recognised Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader.
In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, the appellate court upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court. ruling that the leadership dispute had already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in April 2025, which nullified the convention that produced Abure.
The court also validated the authority of the lower court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to recognise Usman, citing constitutional provisions that empower courts to compel government agencies to perform their duties.
It further endorsed the caretaker committee led by Usman as a necessary interim structure to fill a leadership vacuum.
Criticising Abure’s actions, the court described the appeal as an abuse of judicial process, noting his attempts to relitigate the matter in another court despite a definitive Supreme Court ruling.
The appeal was dismissed, and a ₦10 million cost was awarded against him.
Reacting to the judgement, Nenadi Usman welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She called on party members to remain united and focused, especially as preparations begin for upcoming congresses and the 2027 general elections.
But in a swift counter-reaction, Abure rejected the ruling outrightly, insisting that the judgement does not reflect the true position of the law. He argued that issues relating to party leadership remain internal matters and should not be subject to court interference.
Abure maintains that the party’s 2024 convention in Nnewi, Anambra State which produced his leadership, remains valid and binding. This is as he questioned the legitimacy of the caretaker committee led by Usman, describing its emergence as unconstitutional.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
