Court Confirms Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader

The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the removal of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman–led National Caretaker Committee as the party’s legitimate leadership.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Peter Lifu in a case concerning the protracted leadership crisis within the Labour Party. The court held that Abure’s tenure had already expired, in line with an earlier decision of the Supreme Court, and therefore lacked any legal basis.

According to details of the judgement made public shortly after the court session, Justice Lifu declared that the Nenadi Usman–led National Caretaker Committee remains the only valid and lawful authority to manage the affairs of the party. He subsequently directed INEC to immediately recognise the committee as the authentic leadership structure of the Labour Party.

The development was confirmed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who disclosed that he was present in court when the judgement was delivered. He said the court clearly reaffirmed that Abure could no longer lawfully occupy the office of national chairman, having exhausted his tenure.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Labour Party, which has been embroiled in internal disputes over leadership and control since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections. Rival factions have repeatedly approached the courts, seeking judicial backing for their respective claims to the party’s leadership.

With this latest judgement, legal backing has now been reinforced for the Nenadi Usman–led caretaker committee, which was constituted to stabilise the party and oversee its affairs pending the conduct of a proper national convention.

Political observers say the court’s decision could reshape the internal balance of power within the Labour Party and influence preparations ahead of future elections, as INEC’s recognition is crucial for party administration, congresses and nomination of candidates.

The judgement marks another major turning point in the Labour Party’s ongoing effort to resolve its leadership crisis and restore organisational stability.

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