By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party, dismissing an appeal filed by former National Chairman, Julius Abure.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which recognised Usman as the party’s leader.
Abure had approached the court in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026, seeking to overturn the January 21, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu. The lower court had reaffirmed a Supreme Court decision that nullified Abure’s claim to the party’s leadership and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman.
However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the matter had already been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, which voided the convention that produced Abure as National Chairman.
The appellate court also upheld the authority of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel INEC to recognise Usman, describing the move as lawful and necessary.
Furthermore, the court validated the establishment of the Labour Party’s caretaker committee led by Usman, stating it was a “doctrine of necessity” to fill a leadership vacuum.
In a strong rebuke, the court criticised Abure for abusing judicial processes and engaging in forum shopping, particularly by filing a similar case at a Nasarawa State High Court despite an existing Supreme Court ruling.
Describing the appeal as lacking merit, the court dismissed the case and imposed a ₦10 million fine on Abure for wasting judicial time.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for its firmness in upholding justice.
🗳️ Labour Party Announces Congress Committees
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral subcommittees ahead of its nationwide congresses.
According to the party’s timetable, ward congresses will hold on April 23, local government congresses on April 24, and state congresses on April 25, 2026.
The subcommittees, made up of party stakeholders, are expected to oversee the conduct of the exercises across all states.
In a message to members, Usman urged them to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the process, stressing that the credibility of the party must be protected.
