Labour Party Crisis Deepens: Abure Rejects Appeal Court Judgment, Heads to Supreme Court,Party Moves to Organise Nationwide Congresses

Party leadership dispute intensifies as factions move to assert control ahead of nationwide congresses.

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By Bilia Musa | Abuja, Nigeria

The leadership crisis in the Labour Party has escalated after the party’s former National Chairman, Julius Abure, rejected a Court of Appeal judgment affirming Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership. Abure has vowed to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court, insisting the decision is legally flawed and politically motivated.

In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, Abure dismissed the appellate court’s decision as unacceptable and contrary to established legal principles. He argued that leadership disputes within political parties remain internal affairs beyond judicial interference.

He also disputed the court’s finding that the tenure of his National Working Committee had expired, insisting that the party’s 2024 convention held in Nnewi remains valid and subsisting.

Abure said he has instructed his legal team to immediately file an appeal at the Supreme Court, signalling a continuation of the protracted leadership tussle within the party.

The Court of Appeal, in its ruling delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, upheld an earlier Federal High Court decision which recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party.

The court affirmed that the Supreme Court had previously invalidated the convention that returned Abure as National Chairman, thereby creating a leadership vacuum that justified the formation of a caretaker structure.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as party leader, a decision now affirmed on appeal.

In reaction, Usman described the judgment as a victory for democracy and rule of law, commending the judiciary for its stance in resolving the dispute.

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Party Moves to Organise Nationwide Congresses
Amid the leadership dispute, the Labour Party has announced preparations for ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled between April 23 and April 25, 2026.

Subcommittee chairpersons have been appointed across all states to oversee the process and ensure compliance with party guidelines.

The party stressed that the congresses are aimed at restoring internal order and strengthening democratic structures ahead of future elections.

Leadership Urges Fairness and Internal Discipline
Senator Nenadi Usman called on all appointed officials to conduct their duties with fairness, transparency, and adherence to party principles.

She emphasized equal opportunity, social justice, and credibility as core values guiding the party’s ongoing restructuring efforts.

The Labour Party also confirmed that its national convention is scheduled to hold on April 28, 2026, in Umuahia, Abia State.

The ongoing Labour Party leadership dispute highlights deep internal divisions that could affect party cohesion ahead of future elections. The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal may determine the party’s structural stability and influence its electoral readiness nationwide.