Politics
BREAKING: Court of Appeal sacks Abure, upholds Nenadi Usman as Labour Party leader
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party, effectively bringing an end to the prolonged leadership dispute within the party.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure, describing it as lacking merit.
The court upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had recognised Usman as the party’s leader.
The ruling followed Abure’s challenge to the January 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court, which reaffirmed the position of the Supreme Court that had earlier nullified the Labour Party convention that produced him as National Chairman.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi held that the matter had already been conclusively determined by the Supreme Court and could not be reopened.
The appellate court also upheld the directive ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the party’s leader, ruling that the lower court acted within its constitutional powers.
On the issue of party administration, the judges noted that the caretaker committee led by Usman was a necessary intervention to fill the leadership vacuum within the party at the time.
The panel criticised Abure for abuse of court process, accusing him of engaging in forum shopping by approaching different courts on a matter already settled by the apex court. It further held that his continued claim to leadership was in defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The court described the appeal as a waste of judicial time and imposed a fine of N10 million against Abure.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for its firmness and independence.
She thanked party members and supporters for their patience during the crisis and urged stakeholders to focus on rebuilding the party ahead of upcoming congresses and the national convention.
The Labour Party leadership also called on Nigerians to continue supporting the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
