The Abuja Court of Appeal has affirmed that Julius Abure continues to serve as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
A three-judge panel led by Justice Hamma Barka ruled that a previous decision from November 13, 2024, recognizing Abure in this role remains valid and has not been overturned by any court.
Justice Barka made this statement while addressing two separate appeals brought by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, the caretaker committee, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The court noted that it did not address the Labour Party’s leadership dispute, as such matters are not subject to judicial review.
The appellate court emphasized that actions taken outside of legal jurisdiction are void. Therefore, the Federal High Court’s ruling on October 8, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite holds no weight since it was made without proper jurisdiction.
In dismissing the case for lack of jurisdiction, the appellate court upheld its earlier ruling from November, confirming that “Abure remains the National Chairman of the Labour Party.”
Justice Nwite’s October 2024 ruling had supported Abure’s leadership and recognized the national leadership resulting from the March 2024 Nnewi convention. He also directed INEC to acknowledge Abure as the legitimate chairman, countering the Commission’s previous claims that his leadership was invalid.
Justice Nwite stated, “Based on the solid verifiable documents, the defendants’ attempt to undermine the plaintiff’s leadership is unsuccessful. The plaintiff has substantiated his case. I hereby order the defendant to grant the plaintiff’s political party, under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, all the rights and privileges afforded to a duly registered political party in Nigeria.”
INEC had contended that the Labour Party’s national convention breached the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act, alleging the party did not fulfill the legal requirements to hold the convention.
