The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the lawful head of the Labour Party (LP), removing Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Usman-led caretaker committee.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that evidence before the court clearly showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired.
Relying on the April 4, 2025, judgment of the Supreme Court, the court declared the leadership structure headed by Senator Usman as valid and binding.
Justice Lifu further ordered INEC to immediately recognise the Usman-led caretaker committee as the only authorised body to represent the Labour Party, pending the conduct of a national convention in line with the party’s constitution.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Senator Usman challenging Abure’s continued claim to the party’s leadership. Abure and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) were listed as defendants in the case.
In dismissing Abure’s argument that the dispute was an internal party matter beyond judicial intervention, the court ruled that the establishment of a caretaker committee was a necessary step arising from the Supreme Court’s earlier decision.
The court maintained that political parties must operate within the framework of the law and their constitutions, adding that the judiciary has the authority to intervene where tenure limits and lawful leadership are in dispute.
Earlier this month, the Labour Party’s National Working Committee also announced its recognition of Senator Usman as national chairman, describing the move as a reaffirmation of the Supreme Court’s ruling that Abure’s tenure had elapsed.
The party further stated that plans were underway to conduct congresses and a national convention in strict compliance with its constitution, urging members at all levels to participate fully in the process.
