The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Senator Nenadi Usman's position as the national leader of the Labour Party. In a unanimous ruling delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, the three-judge panel dismissed an appeal by Barrister Julius Abure, who had challenged the Federal High Court's earlier judgment affirming Usman's leadership. The appellate court affirmed that the Supreme Court, on 4 April 2025, had already settled the dispute by nullifying the Labour Party convention that re-elected Abure as national chairman. It also upheld the Federal High Court's directive for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the party's legitimate leader. The Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court acted within its powers under Section 251 of the Constitution in compelling INEC's recognition. The justices found that the Caretaker Committee led by Usman was justified under the doctrine of necessity due to a leadership vacuum. The court accused Abure of forum shopping and abusing judicial process by pursuing the matter in Nasarawa State High Court after the Supreme Court's final ruling. Abure's claim of being denied fair hearing was rejected, with the court stating the issue did not arise. The appeal, filed as suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026, was dismissed as lacking merit. The court imposed a cost of ₦10 million on Abure in favour of the respondents for wasting judicial time.
Julius Abure continues to claim leadership of the Labour Party despite the Supreme Court's 4 April 2025 judgment nullifying his position and the Court of Appeal's dismissal of his case. Senator Nenadi Usman's recognition as national leader stands, but the prolonged legal battle creates uncertainty for Labour Party members who must now align with a leadership structure confirmed by multiple courts. The ₦10 million cost imposed on Abure underscores the judiciary's frustration with repeated challenges to settled rulings. This legal clarity does not erase the division already sown among the party's membership.
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