Appeal Court dismisses Abure’s suit, affirms Nenadi Usman as LP leader

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which recognised Usman’s leadership and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord her official recognition.

The lead judgment, delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, held that the leadership dispute had already been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, when it nullified the convention that returned Abure as National Chairman.

The court also affirmed that the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, acted within its constitutional powers in directing INEC to recognise Usman as leader of the party.

It further agreed that the establishment of a caretaker committee led by Usman was justified under the doctrine of necessity to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.

The appellate court strongly criticised Abure for abusing court processes, accusing him of forum shopping by filing a related case at a Nasarawa State High Court despite the Supreme Court’s clear ruling on the matter.

Describing the appeal as lacking merit and an abuse of judicial process, the court dismissed the case and imposed a fine of ₦10 million on Abure for wasting judicial time.

Reacting to the judgment, Usman described the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for upholding justice and resisting attempts to undermine its integrity.