The Labour Party’s factional National Chairman, Julius Abure, has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize a caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman. The committee is aligned with Abia State Governor Alex Otti. This development comes after the court ruled that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired.
According to a statement by the party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Abure plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. He argued that the judgment contradicts a 2025 Supreme Court verdict on the party’s leadership dispute. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had ordered INEC to recognize the caretaker committee pending the party’s national convention.
The Abure-led National Working Committee has described the court decision as a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and an intrusion into the party’s internal affairs. Although the committee has not yet obtained a certified copy of the judgment, it has indicated its intention to appeal the decision. Abure stated that the party’s position would become clearer once it receives the certified copy, but based on initial briefings, an appeal is likely.
The leadership dispute within the Labour Party has been ongoing, with different factions vying for control. The Supreme Court’s 2025 verdict aimed to resolve the issue, but the latest Federal High Court judgment has reignited the controversy. The party’s next steps, including the appeal process, will be closely watched as the situation continues to unfold.
The electoral implications of this dispute are significant, as the Labour Party is a major player in Nigeria’s political landscape. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s recognition of the caretaker committee could influence the party’s participation in future elections. As the appeal process progresses, the party’s leadership and direction will remain uncertain, potentially affecting its ability to operate effectively.
