Appeal Court dismisses Abure’s suit, affirms Usman as LP leader

The Court of Appeal Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure over the leadership of the Labour Party, thereby affirming Nenadi Usman as the recognised leader of the party.

The ruling was delivered by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with other members of the panel in agreement. The court upheld an earlier decision of the Federal High Court, which had relied on a previous judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria that settled the dispute over the party’s leadership.

The case began after Abure challenged the lower court’s decision that removed him from his position and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Usman as the party’s head. He approached the appellate court seeking to overturn that judgment.

In its decision, the court held that the issue had already been resolved by the Supreme Court in 2025 when it nullified the convention that returned Abure as national chairman. It also agreed that the lower court acted within its powers by directing INEC to carry out its duties regarding party leadership recognition.

The court further supported the formation of a caretaker structure under Usman, stating that it was necessary at a time when there was a leadership gap in the party. It criticised Abure’s actions in pursuing similar claims in other courts despite an existing ruling on the matter.

After reviewing the case, the court concluded that the appeal lacked merit and amounted to misuse of the judicial process. It therefore dismissed the appeal and ordered Abure to pay a fine of ten million naira.

Following the judgment, Usman welcomed the decision and described it as a positive step for the rule of law. She thanked party members and supporters for their patience during the dispute and called on stakeholders to focus on upcoming party activities, including congresses and the national convention.

The development is expected to bring clarity to the leadership of the Labour Party as it prepares for future political activities and the 2027 general elections.