An Appeal Court has reaffirmed Julius Abure as the Labour Party (LP) National Chairman. This decision brings clarity to the ongoing leadership tussle within the party.
Labour Party’s Public Notification on the Verdict
The Labour Party shared a notification on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. It stated, “Barr Julius Abure remains the LP National Chairman, Appeal Court Rules.” The post emphasizes the court’s decision to uphold Abure’s position.
Confirmation by Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary
A quick call to Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary, confirmed the development. He reiterated that the judgment solidifies Abure’s leadership within the party.
Background of the Leadership Dispute
The case stems from appeals filed by the Labour Party’s caretaker committee led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A Federal High Court had earlier ruled in favour of Abure as the rightful leader.
Appeal Court’s Judgment on the Labour Party Leadership
On Friday, a three-member panel of the Appeal Court, led by Justice Hamma Barka, delivered the ruling. The court affirmed that Julius Abure is the recognized National Chairman of the Labour Party.
The Court’s Rationale Behind the Verdict
The Appeal Court referenced its prior judgment from November 13, 2024, which recognized Abure’s position. It clarified that no subsequent court had overturned that decision. The panel highlighted that leadership disputes within the Labour Party are not justiciable and fall outside the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Federal High Court’s Judgment Nullified
Justice Emeka Nwite’s Federal High Court ruling from October 8, 2024, was declared null and void. The appellate court ruled that the lower court acted without jurisdiction, making its judgment ineffective.
Conclusion: Julius Abure Remains at the Helm of Labour Party
Justice Barka concluded that the case lacked merit due to jurisdictional limitations. The court struck out the suit, relying on its previous judgment to affirm that “Abure Remains National Chairman of the Labour Party.”
