The Labour Party’s internal crisis escalated on Saturday after the Court of Appeal in Abuja reinstated Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman. This decision followed the court’s validation of the party’s March 2024 national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The reinstatement, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Hamma Barka, was based on a prior judgement from November 2024, which ruled that the leadership issues within the party were non-justiciable. The court invalidated an October 2024 ruling by the Federal High Court, which had previously dismissed Abure’s leadership.
Despite the ruling, the 29-member caretaker committee established by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has rejected the decision. Led by Senator Nenadi Usman, the committee issued a statement asserting that it remains the legitimate leadership of the party.
“We remain in charge of the Labour Party’s affairs, as mandated by stakeholders at the emergency convention,” the statement read.
The committee criticised the Appeal Court’s decision, accusing the Federal High Court of overstepping its jurisdiction and violating their right to a fair hearing. The statement, jointly signed by Senator Usman and the committee’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, emphasized the legitimacy of their appointment at the September 2024 emergency convention.
“The Federal High Court acted without jurisdiction by entertaining a leadership dispute brought by Julius Abure. Our counter-affidavit opposing the suit was not considered, violating our right to a fair hearing,” the statement claimed.
The caretaker committee urged party members and stakeholders to support their leadership, asserting that their mandate aligns with the party’s constitution and interests.
The statement further emphasized, “We have diligently and effectively carried out our duties, earning the admiration of stakeholders and members. We remain the authentic leadership of the Labour Party.”
The Labour Party’s leadership crisis began after a faction of party stakeholders questioned the legitimacy of Julius Abure’s leadership. In September 2024, a caretaker committee was appointed to manage the party’s affairs temporarily. However, Abure challenged this move in court, resulting in a series of conflicting rulings that have left the party in disarray.
With both factions holding firm to their claims, the Labour Party faces a challenging path toward reconciliation as the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve.
