By Jude Opara
The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming Nenadi Usman as the legitimate head of the party.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel 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, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had reaffirmed the position of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which nullified the convention that produced Abure as National Chairman and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the party’s leader.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, Abure had approached the appellate court seeking to overturn the decision.
However, the court held that the apex court had already conclusively resolved the leadership dispute and that the matter could not be relitigated.
It further ruled that the Federal High Court acted within its constitutional powers under Section 251 by directing INEC to recognise Usman as National Chairman.
The appellate court also upheld the constitution of the party’s caretaker committee led by Usman, describing it as a necessary step to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.
The justices criticised Abure for abuse of court process, accusing him of forum shopping and pursuing multiple legal actions on an issue already settled by the Supreme Court.
The court declared the appeal lacking in merit and subsequently dismissed it, imposing a fine of N10 million on Abure.
Reacting to the judgment, Usman described the ruling as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for upholding justice.
She also thanked party members and supporters for their patience and loyalty, urging stakeholders to remain committed as the party prepares for its congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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