Author: Gist Correspondent

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, held that the Nenadi Usman–led executive is the valid authority in charge of the Labour Party, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision of April 4, 2025.

The court further directed INEC to immediately accord recognition to the Senator Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the only lawful body authorised to act for the party, pending the conduct of a national convention.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Senator Usman, in which Abure and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) were listed as defendants.

In his decision, Justice Lifu held that the evidence before the court clearly showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired, stripping him of any legal claim to the office.

The judge dismissed Abure’s argument that the matter was an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention, ruling instead that the establishment of a caretaker committee was “a necessity” arising directly from the Supreme Court’s orders.

Justice Lifu maintained that the court was duty-bound to give effect to the apex court’s judgment and ensure stability and lawful leadership within the Labour Party.