The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed Barrister Julius Abure’s appeal challenging the Labour Party’s leadership, thereby upholding a Federal High Court ruling that confirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate national chairman. The appellate court delivered a unanimous judgment through a three‑member panel headed by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom‑Wike concurring. The court rejected Abure’s attempt to overturn the January 21, 2026, Federal High Court decision that removed him from office.
The appellate judges noted that the Supreme Court had already resolved the leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, when it nullified the convention that purportedly returned Abure as national chairman. They affirmed the trial court’s authority under Section 251 of the Constitution to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Usman as the party’s leader. The justices also validated the appointment of a Caretaker Committee headed by Usman as a necessary measure to fill the party’s leadership vacuum.
In addition, the court criticised Abure for abusing the judicial process, citing his attempts to litigate the same issue in a Nasarawa State High Court after the Supreme Court’s ruling. The appeal was dismissed as lacking merit, and a ₦10 million cost was imposed on Abure for wasting judicial time on a matter already conclusively determined.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman described it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She praised the judiciary for upholding justice despite efforts to undermine its integrity and thanked party members for their patience and loyalty during the dispute. Senator Usman urged all stakeholders to focus on the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention, reaffirming the Labour Party’s commitment to democratic principles as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
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