Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the factional national executive committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, marks a significant turning point in the prolonged leadership crisis that has rocked the Labour Party since the 2023 general elections. In its judgment, the court held that the Abure-led national executive committee lacked the legal standing to continue in office, having been constituted in violation of the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.
The presiding judge found that the process which produced Abure and members of his executive committee did not comply with the Labour Party’s internal rules, particularly with respect to the tenure of party officers and the conduct of valid national conventions. On this basis, the court declared the Abure-led leadership null and void.
Consequently, the court directed INEC to recognise the caretaker executive committee chaired by former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman, as the authentic leadership of the Labour Party. The Nenadi-led exco was set up by key party stakeholders to stabilise the party and organise a fresh national convention amid escalating internal disputes.
In its order, the court restrained Julius Abure and members of his dissolved executive committee from parading themselves as national officers of the party or taking any action on its behalf. The judge further held that continued recognition of the Abure faction by INEC would amount to a violation of the court’s decision.
The judgment follows a series of legal battles triggered by deep divisions within the Labour Party leadership, involving rival factions, suspensions, counter-suspensions and disputes over control of party structures. The crisis intensified after the party’s strong showing in the 2023 presidential election, which significantly raised its national profile.
Supporters of the Nenadi-led exco have consistently argued that Abure’s tenure had expired and that his continued stay in office undermined internal democracy within the party. They also accused the former chairman of disregarding court orders and party organs, allegations which Abure and his allies have repeatedly denied.
Reacting to the judgment, members of the caretaker committee described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy. They said the decision would help restore stability, unity and credibility to the party, while paving the way for a properly conducted national convention.
On the other hand, the Abure faction has maintained that it remains the legitimate leadership of the party, and party sources indicate that an appeal against the ruling may be considered. As of the time of filing this report, Julius Abure had not issued an official public statement on the court’s decision.
INEC is yet to formally react to the judgment, but the ruling places a legal obligation on the electoral body to update its records in line with the court order. Political observers say the commission’s response will be crucial in determining how quickly the Labour Party’s leadership crisis is resolved.
The development is expected to have significant implications for the party’s internal reorganisation, preparations for future elections and its standing among supporters nationwide. Analysts note that sustained leadership disputes have weakened the party’s cohesion and risk undermining its growing influence if not decisively resolved.
With the court’s directive now in place, attention shifts to whether the Nenadi-led executive committee will be able to consolidate control, reconcile aggrieved factions and organise a credible national convention to usher in an elected leadership.
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