Labour Party: High-stakes legal fight ends… But the implications are just beginning

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

BREAKING: Appeal Court dismisses Julius Abure’s suit, affirms Usman as Labour Party leader

The Court of Appeal Nigeria, Abuja Division, in a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, has dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party Nigeria.

ZINGTIE reported that on January 21, 2026, Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Nigeria, Abuja, reaffirmed an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which removed Barr. Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the party, to the exclusion of all others.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Barr. Abure approached the Court of Appeal in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026 – Barr. Julius Abure & Anor v. Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman & 3 Ors – seeking to overturn the lower court’s ruling.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal High Court.

The court held that the Supreme Court had, on April 4, 2025, conclusively resolved the leadership dispute within the Labour Party when it nullified the convention that purportedly returned Barr. Abure as National Chairman.

The appellate court agreed with the trial court that it had the authority under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a statutory Federal Government agency to perform its duties when it ordered INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the party.

The court also affirmed that the establishment of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, headed by Usman, was a doctrine of necessity aimed at providing leadership during a period of vacuum within the party.

The Justices strongly criticised Barr. Abure for abuse of court process and for engaging in forum shopping at a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already decided by the Supreme Court, as well as for continuing to lay claim to the party’s leadership despite the clear pronouncement of the apex court.

The court further held that the appeal lacked merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

Consequently, the court, while dismissing the appeal filed by Barr. Abure, imposed a cost of ten million naira against him for wasting judicial time on a matter that had already been conclusively determined.

Reacting to the judgment, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its courage and steadfastness in upholding justice despite attempts to undermine its integrity.

Senator Usman also expressed appreciation to party members and supporters nationwide for their patience, loyalty, and commitment throughout the period of uncertainty.

She urged all stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention.

The party also appreciated members of the media for their professionalism and objective reporting, while calling on Nigerians to continue to place their trust in the Labour Party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.