IntroductionNigeria's Labour Party (LP) has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis since 2024, following the 2023 elections where Peter Obi emerged as a strong contender. The latest development came on January 21, 2026, when the Federal High Court in Abuja sacked Julius Abure as National Chairman and recognized Senator Nenadi Usman as the party's authentic leader. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2262/2025, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Usman-led caretaker committee pending a national convention. This ruling stems from earlier judicial pronouncements and escalating factional disputes. Here are the key reasons why the court sacked Julius Abure and affirmed Nenadi Usman as the valid leader.
Five (5) Reasons Why Court Sacks Julius Abure as Labour Party Chair, Names Party’s Authentic Leader1. Expiration of Abure’s Tenure as National ChairmanThe court held that evidence clearly showed Abure’s tenure had elapsed. His original term, along with the National Working Committee (NWC), expired in June 2024. The controversial March 27, 2024, national convention in Nnewi, where Abure purportedly re-emerged, was deemed invalid due to non-compliance with the LP constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines. INEC had refused to monitor or recognize it, citing procedural flaws.2. Reliance on Supreme Court Verdict of April 4, 2025The judgment heavily relied on the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, decision (Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025). The apex court struck out prior recognitions of Abure by lower courts for lack of jurisdiction, as party leadership matters are internal affairs. It declared Abure’s cross-appeal unmeritorious and noted his tenure had expired. This created a leadership vacuum, necessitating intervention.3. Necessity of Caretaker Committee FormationThe court ruled that establishing the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee was a “necessity” arising from the Supreme Court’s position. Formed on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia by key stakeholders — including Governor Alex Otti, Peter Obi, and others — the 29-member committee aimed to restore order and conduct fresh elections within 90 days. The judge dismissed Abure’s claim that the matter was non-justiciable, emphasizing the caretaker setup addressed the vacuum.4. Rejection of Internal Party Affairs ArgumentAbure argued the dispute was purely internal and beyond judicial review. Justice Lifu rejected this, holding that the Supreme Court’s ruling and expired tenure justified court involvement to prevent chaos and ensure party functionality.5. Broader Crisis Context: Allegations and FactionalismThe crisis traces back to 2024 allegations of financial misconduct against Abure, including misappropriation claims by the National Treasurer. Combined with INEC’s non-recognition and NEC’s intervention, it fueled divisions. The court’s decision aligns with efforts to stabilize the party ahead of future elections.
Abure’s faction has vowed to appeal, insisting the ruling contradicts the Supreme Court’s stance on non-interference. However, the judgment reinforces Nenadi Usman as the authentic leader, potentially paving the way for reconciliation or convention.
This ruling underscores Nigeria’s political volatility, where court interventions often resolve party crises. For updates on the Labour Party leadership crisis, follow official sources.
Five (5) Reasons Why Court Sacks Julius Abure as Labour Party Chair, Names Party’s Authentic Leader1. Expiration of Abure’s Tenure as National ChairmanThe court held that evidence clearly showed Abure’s tenure had elapsed. His original term, along with the National Working Committee (NWC), expired in June 2024. The controversial March 27, 2024, national convention in Nnewi, where Abure purportedly re-emerged, was deemed invalid due to non-compliance with the LP constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines. INEC had refused to monitor or recognize it, citing procedural flaws.2. Reliance on Supreme Court Verdict of April 4, 2025The judgment heavily relied on the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, decision (Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025). The apex court struck out prior recognitions of Abure by lower courts for lack of jurisdiction, as party leadership matters are internal affairs. It declared Abure’s cross-appeal unmeritorious and noted his tenure had expired. This created a leadership vacuum, necessitating intervention.3. Necessity of Caretaker Committee FormationThe court ruled that establishing the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee was a “necessity” arising from the Supreme Court’s position. Formed on September 4, 2024, in Umuahia by key stakeholders — including Governor Alex Otti, Peter Obi, and others — the 29-member committee aimed to restore order and conduct fresh elections within 90 days. The judge dismissed Abure’s claim that the matter was non-justiciable, emphasizing the caretaker setup addressed the vacuum.4. Rejection of Internal Party Affairs ArgumentAbure argued the dispute was purely internal and beyond judicial review. Justice Lifu rejected this, holding that the Supreme Court’s ruling and expired tenure justified court involvement to prevent chaos and ensure party functionality.5. Broader Crisis Context: Allegations and FactionalismThe crisis traces back to 2024 allegations of financial misconduct against Abure, including misappropriation claims by the National Treasurer. Combined with INEC’s non-recognition and NEC’s intervention, it fueled divisions. The court’s decision aligns with efforts to stabilize the party ahead of future elections.
Abure’s faction has vowed to appeal, insisting the ruling contradicts the Supreme Court’s stance on non-interference. However, the judgment reinforces Nenadi Usman as the authentic leader, potentially paving the way for reconciliation or convention.
This ruling underscores Nigeria’s political volatility, where court interventions often resolve party crises. For updates on the Labour Party leadership crisis, follow official sources.
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