The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Nigeria has affirmed Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party Nigeria, effectively bringing an end to the protracted leadership crisis that has unsettled the party for several months.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure, describing the case as lacking merit and constituting an abuse of court process.
The ruling upheld an earlier decision of the Federal High Court Nigeria, which had recognised Usman as the party’s leader. The lower court’s judgment had itself relied on a prior decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified the Labour Party convention which returned Abure as National Chairman.
Abure had approached the appellate court to challenge the January 2026 ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting on his claim to the party’s leadership. However, the Court of Appeal held that the matter had already been conclusively determined by the Supreme Court and could not be reopened.
Delivering the lead judgment, Oyejoju Oyewumi ruled that there was no legal basis for the appeal, stressing that the apex court had settled the issue of leadership within the party. The panel agreed that revisiting the matter would undermine the principle of finality in litigation.
The appellate court also endorsed the directive issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the legitimate leader of the party. It held that the Federal High Court acted within its constitutional authority in compelling the electoral body to perform its statutory duties in line with the law.
On the question of party administration, the court validated the caretaker committee led by Usman, describing it as a necessary and pragmatic intervention at a time when the party was facing a leadership vacuum. According to the judges, the arrangement was justified to ensure continuity and stability within the party structure.
The panel was critical of Abure’s legal approach, accusing him of engaging in forum shopping by instituting similar proceedings in different courts despite an existing ruling by the Supreme Court. It noted that his continued insistence on claiming leadership of the party was in defiance of an already settled legal position.
Describing the appeal as a waste of judicial time, the court dismissed the case in its entirety and imposed a cost of N10 million against Abure.
Reacting to the judgment, Usman welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its firmness and commitment to upholding justice despite pressures.
Usman also expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the Labour Party for their patience and loyalty throughout the period of internal crisis. She urged all stakeholders to put aside their differences and focus on rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of upcoming political activities.
With the leadership dispute now resolved, attention is expected to shift to the party’s congresses and national convention, as well as preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Labour Party leadership further called on Nigerians to continue supporting its vision and programmes, as it seeks to reposition itself as a viable political force in the country’s evolving democratic landscape.
