A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party.
The appellate court, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, affirmed the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, which recognised Nenadi Usman as the legitimate National Chairman of the party.
The court held that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had already settled the leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, when it nullified the convention that returned Abure as chairman.
It also upheld the lower court’s position that it had the constitutional authority under Section 251 to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as party leader.
Furthermore, the appellate court agreed that the establishment of a caretaker committee led by Usman was a necessary step to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.
The justices criticised Abure for abusing court processes, noting that he engaged in forum shopping by approaching a Nasarawa State High Court on an issue already decided by the apex court.
Describing the appeal as lacking merit, the court dismissed it and imposed a fine of ₦10 million on Abure for wasting judicial time.
Reacting, Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for upholding justice.