By Gabriel Ameh
The Labour Party has welcomed a judgment of the Court of Appeal, saying the ruling reaffirmed that only the party’s recognised national leadership under Nenadi Usman has the legal authority to initiate or authorise court cases in the party’s name.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party described the July 2 judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal’s Owerri Division as another judicial confirmation of the legal position regarding who can represent the Labour Party in court.
According to the party, the case arose from a pre-election dispute after an appeal was allegedly filed in the Labour Party’s name without the knowledge or approval of its recognised national leadership.
The statement explained that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Taiwo Mary Ajayi, subsequently authorised legal representation to withdraw the appeal.
During proceedings, two different lawyers appeared, each claiming to represent the Labour Party. The appellate court directed both counsel to present documentary evidence showing they had valid authority to act on behalf of the party.
After reviewing the documents, the court accepted the authority issued through the Office of the National Legal Adviser representing the recognised national leadership.
The lawyer who initially filed the appeal later withdrew her appearance and the counter-affidavit filed on behalf of the party. The Court subsequently dismissed the appeal and awarded ₦100,000 in costs against counsel who relied on the authority issued by Mr. C. K. Igara.
The Labour Party said the ruling reinforces the principle that only its duly recognised national leadership can engage lawyers or commence, defend or sustain legal proceedings in the party’s name.
The party also maintained that the judgment further affirmed the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as the authentic national leadership of the Labour Party.
It added that it would continue to challenge any attempt by unauthorised persons, including Julius Abure and C. K. Igara, to represent the party or institute legal proceedings on its behalf without lawful authority.
The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order, internal party discipline and respect for judicial decisions.
