The Appeal Court in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure, former National Chairman of the Labour Party, challenging the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as interim national chair. The three-member panel, led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi and including Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, upheld the January 21, 2026, ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which affirmed the Supreme Court's April 4, 2025, judgment nullifying the Labour Party convention that re-elected Abure. That earlier ruling had established a leadership vacuum, paving the way for the appointment of Usman as Interim National Chairman under the doctrine of necessity. The Federal High Court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the sole legitimate leader of the party.
The Appeal Court found Abure's appeal to be without merit and an abuse of judicial process, noting his attempt to relitigate the matter in a Nasarawa State High Court after the Supreme Court had already delivered a final judgment. The court described his actions as forum shopping and criticised his persistence in claiming leadership despite clear judicial pronouncements. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, delivering the lead judgment, stated the appeal wasted judicial resources and imposed a cost of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) on Abure. Senator Usman hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for resisting pressure. She called on party members to focus on upcoming congresses and the national convention.
Julius Abure continues to claim leadership of the Labour Party despite three separate court rulings, including a Supreme Court decision, rejecting his position. Senator Nenadi Usman's recognition as interim chair means party members and INEC now have a legally binding directive on who speaks for the Labour Party. Abure's refusal to accept the courts' decisions creates confusion for Labour Party members and voters ahead of upcoming elections. The N10 million penalty may not be enough to stop further legal disruptions from a man already ruled against.
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