Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Abure Rejects Court Ruling, Heads to Appeal Court

The internal crisis within Nigeria’s Labour Party has escalated following the rejection of a Federal High Court judgment by a faction led by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, who has announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The dispute centres on a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise a caretaker committee to manage the party’s affairs pending the conduct of a national convention. The committee is headed by former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman.

Ejes Gist News reports that Abure’s faction has described the ruling as legally flawed and inconsistent with an earlier decision of the Supreme Court, insisting that the matter of the party’s leadership had already been settled at the apex court.

Background to the Leadership Dispute

The Labour Party, which gained national prominence during the 2023 general elections, has since been embroiled in prolonged internal disagreements over its leadership structure. These disputes have resulted in parallel claims to authority, factionalisation, and repeated court actions.

At the centre of the current controversy is the expiration of Abure’s tenure as national chairman. Opposing factions within the party have argued that his continued stay in office lacks constitutional backing, while Abure and his supporters maintain that due process was followed and that his leadership remains valid.

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Federal High Court Judgment

The Federal High Court ruling, delivered by Peter Lifu, held that Abure’s tenure had elapsed and that a caretaker committee was required to stabilise the party and prepare for a properly constituted national convention.

The court ordered INEC to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as the legitimate interim leadership of the Labour Party. The decision was welcomed by stakeholders aligned with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who has been a prominent figure in the faction opposing Abure.

Abure’s Rejection and Appeal Plans

In a statement issued by Obiora Ifoh, identified as the National Publicity Secretary loyal to Abure, the faction announced its rejection of the judgment and its intention to appeal.

Abure was quoted as saying that the ruling amounted to a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s decision delivered in April 2025 and constituted an intrusion into the internal affairs of a political party.

According to the statement, the faction believes the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to issue directives affecting the party’s leadership, particularly in light of what it described as an existing Supreme Court position on the matter.

Although Abure acknowledged that his group had yet to obtain the Certified True Copy of the judgment, he expressed confidence that a detailed review would strengthen their case at the appellate court.

Reaction Within the Party

The ruling has been interpreted by many party stakeholders as a significant victory for the faction seeking Abure’s removal. Supporters of the caretaker committee argue that it offers a temporary framework to reconcile aggrieved members, restore internal order, and organise a credible national convention.

However, Abure’s decision to proceed to the Court of Appeal has effectively prolonged the crisis, ensuring that the leadership question remains unresolved.

Implications for INEC

INEC has found itself repeatedly drawn into the Labour Party’s internal disputes through a series of court orders directing which faction to recognise. The electoral body has consistently stated that it will comply with valid court judgments, but the existence of multiple rulings and ongoing appeals has complicated compliance.

Legal observers note that INEC’s role in such disputes underscores the broader challenge of enforcing judicial decisions amid overlapping legal processes.

Broader Political Impact

Political analysts warn that the continued leadership tussle could weaken the Labour Party’s position as an opposition force. Expectations that followed its electoral performance in 2023 have been tempered by persistent infighting, which has diverted attention from policy development and grassroots mobilisation.

The crisis has also reignited debate over the role of the judiciary in political party affairs. While some critics argue that frequent court interventions undermine internal democracy, others maintain that judicial oversight becomes necessary when parties fail to resolve disputes through constitutional mechanisms.

Calls for Reconciliation

Several party elders and stakeholders have called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging all factions to prioritise the collective interest of the party. These appeals have so far yielded limited results, as legal strategies continue to dominate the conflict.

As the dispute moves to the Court of Appeal, attention will focus on whether the appellate court can provide clarity on the leadership question. Until then, the Labour Party remains divided, with competing structures and unresolved claims to legitimacy shaping its immediate political future.