By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal High Court in Abuja has recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party (LP), effectively removing Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court relied on the April 4, 2025, decision of the Supreme Court to affirm Usman as the valid head of the party.
Justice Lifu also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the only lawful authority representing the Labour Party, pending the conduct of a national convention.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Usman, with Abure and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) listed as defendants.
The court held that evidence before it showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had elapsed. Justice Lifu dismissed Abure’s argument that the dispute was an internal party matter and therefore non-justiciable, ruling instead that the formation of a caretaker committee was “a necessity” arising from the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment.
On January 9, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) also announced its recognition of Usman as national chairman, citing the Supreme Court’s verdict.
In a statement, the Labour Party said the development reaffirmed the apex court’s ruling that Abure’s tenure had ended, adding that all congresses and the national convention would be conducted in strict compliance with the party’s constitution.
“The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall hold accordingly, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution. Members at all levels are therefore encouraged to actively participate in the congress processes,” the party said.
