The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate National Chairman. In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, the appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the party’s leader. The ruling, delivered on 21st January 2026 by Justice Peter Lifu, reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s 4th April 2025 judgment that nullified the convention which had purportedly re-elected Abure as National Chairman.
Barr. Abure had filed his appeal in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026 – Barr. Julius Abure & Anor v. Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman & 3 Ors – seeking to overturn the lower court’s decision. However, the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, found no merit in the appeal. The court stressed that the Supreme Court’s decision was final and binding, and that Abure’s continued claims to leadership were in direct defiance of the apex court’s authority.
The appellate court also confirmed that the Federal High Court had the constitutional power under Section 251 of the Nigerian Constitution to compel INEC to perform its statutory duties. This included recognising Senator Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party. The court further supported the constitution of the Caretaker Committee headed by Usman, describing it as a doctrine of necessity to fill a leadership vacuum within the party.
In a strong rebuke, the justices criticised Barr. Abure for abusing court processes and engaging in forum shopping by filing a similar case in the Nasarawa State High Court, despite the matter being conclusively settled by the Supreme Court. The court declared the appeal as an abuse of judicial process and dismissed it outright. As a consequence, the court imposed a cost of ten million naira against Abure for wasting judicial time on a matter already determined.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman, hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its courage and integrity in upholding justice despite attempts to undermine it. Usman expressed gratitude to party members and supporters for their patience and loyalty during the period of uncertainty. She urged all stakeholders to focus on upcoming party congresses and the national convention.
The Labour Party also thanked the media for their professional and objective coverage of the matter. The party called on Nigerians to continue placing their trust in it as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. This ruling solidifies the party’s leadership structure and sets a precedent for respecting judicial decisions in political disputes.
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