A Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, declaring his tenure has expired. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the party’s lawful leadership.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, was based on a litigation filed by a former Minister of Finance. Abure and the Nigerian Labour Congress were listed as defendants in the matter. The court relied on the April 4, 2025, verdict of the Supreme Court to recognize Usman as the valid leader of the party.
According to court documents, the evidence presented showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had indeed expired. The court dismissed Abure’s argument that the matter was an internal party affair, ruling that the establishment of a caretaker committee was necessary due to the Supreme Court’s decision.
The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee had previously removed Abure as national chairman and constituted a 29-member caretaker committee, with Usman as chairman. This decision was made during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting hosted by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, Abia State, and chaired by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Abure had challenged his removal in court, seeking validation of his position as national chairman. However, the court’s ruling has now clarified the party’s leadership, recognizing the Usman-led committee as the lawful authority.
The development is significant for the Labour Party, which has been embroiled in a leadership crisis. The court’s decision is expected to bring stability to the party, allowing it to move forward with its activities under the recognized leadership of the caretaker committee. The Independent National Electoral Commission is now required to acknowledge the Usman-led committee, ensuring that the party’s affairs are conducted in accordance with the court’s ruling.
