The Nenadi Usman-led leadership of the Labour Party has clarified that the party’s internal leadership dispute has been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court, urging all members, including Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, to respect the apex court’s ruling.
This clarification comes in response to recent remarks by Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, who was seen addressing Barrister Julius Abure as the party’s substantive national chairman during a public event and in a television appearance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party stated that the Supreme Court had, in a judgment delivered on April 4, nullified Abure’s claim to the chairmanship.
“The leadership question within the Labour Party has been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Quoting the judgment, Asogwa noted that the Supreme Court ruled: “The decisions of both trial court and the court below recognising Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the 1st respondent are hereby set aside… Appeal allowed.”
He explained that the judgment upheld Senator Usman’s appeal and granted all reliefs sought, affirming her position as the Interim National Chairman of the party.
While acknowledging Baba-Ahmed’s intention to promote unity and reconciliation within the party, the Usman-led leadership emphasised that such efforts must be based on legal realities and respect for the rule of law.
“As the Labour Party prepares for its ward, local government, and state congresses ahead of the national convention, we call for peace, unity, and internal cohesion. Only a united Labour Party can offer a credible alternative to the APC-led federal government,” the statement added.
The leadership also urged members to remain calm and committed to the party’s vision, assuring that steps are being taken to reconcile all aggrieved factions for lasting progress.
