The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has unanimously rejected an appeal brought by Barrister Julius Abure, who had sought to challenge the leadership structure of the Labour Party.

In an earlier ruling delivered on January 21, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld a prior decision of the Supreme Court, which had effectively removed Abure as National Chairman of the party. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate head of the Labour Party, excluding all other claimants.

Unhappy with that outcome, Abure proceeded to the appellate court in suit number CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026, attempting to overturn the lower court’s judgment.

However, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi and supported by Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, the Court of Appeal upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.

The appellate court emphasized that the Supreme Court had already conclusively resolved the party’s leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, when it nullified the convention that had returned Abure as National Chairman.

It further agreed that the Federal High Court acted within its constitutional authority under Section 251 by directing INEC, as a federal agency, to carry out its duty of recognising Senator Usman as the party’s leader.

The court also supported the lower court’s position that the establishment of a Caretaker Committee led by Usman was justified under the doctrine of necessity, given the leadership vacuum that existed at the time.

In strong terms, the appellate court criticised Abure for abusing judicial processes, noting that he had engaged in forum shopping by filing a related matter at a Nasarawa State High Court despite the Supreme Court’s clear decision. The court faulted him for continuing to assert leadership claims in defiance of a final ruling by the apex court.

Consequently, the court declared the appeal lacking in merit and described it as an abuse of court process. It dismissed the case and imposed a fine of ten million naira on Abure for wasting judicial time on an issue already settled.

Reacting to the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman, who currently serves as the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, hailed the ruling as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law. She praised the judiciary for its resilience and commitment to justice despite efforts by some individuals to undermine it.

Usman also thanked party members and supporters nationwide for their patience and loyalty throughout the period of uncertainty. She encouraged stakeholders to concentrate on the party’s upcoming congresses and national convention.

Additionally, the party expressed appreciation to the media for maintaining professionalism and balanced reporting. It urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Labour Party as it intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.