The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has, in a unanimous judgement delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party.
Recall that on 21st January 2026, Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of
the Federal High Court, Abuja, reaffirmed the earlier judgment of the Supreme
Court that removed Barr. Abure as the 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 that 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 judgment of
the lower court.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi,
with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, the
appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court.
The court held that the Supreme Court had, on 4th April
2025, conclusively settled 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 the
court below had the powers under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a
statutory Federal Government agency to perform its functions when it ordered
INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Chairman of the Labour
Party.
The appellate court also agreed with the trial court that
the constitution of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party, headed by
Usman, was a doctrine of necessity needed to provide leadership in the party
when there appeared to be a vacuum.
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, and for persisting in laying
claim to the leadership of the party despite the clear and unambiguous
pronouncement of the apex court.
The court further held that the appeal was devoid of merit
and constituted an abuse of court process.
Consequently, the court, while dismissing the appeal 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 by certain elements to
undermine its integrity.
Senator Usman also expressed gratitude to party faithful and
supporters across the country for their patience, loyalty, and unwavering
commitment during the period of uncertainty.
She urged all stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s
forthcoming congresses and national convention.
The party further appreciated members of the media for their
professionalism and objective reporting and called on Nigerians to continue to
place their trust in the Labour Party as preparations intensify ahead of the
2027 general elections.
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