Federal High Court Ousts Julius Abure as Labour Party National Chairman
The political landscape in Nigeria witnessed a significant development as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a decisive ruling that has reshaped the leadership of the Labour Party. In a judgment that reverberates through opposition circles, the court has officially removed Julius Abure from his position as the national chairman of the party.
Judicial Basis for the Removal
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court anchored his verdict on a prior ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The apex court had previously declared Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance, as the valid national chairman of the Labour Party. This foundational decision provided the legal framework for the High Court's action, emphasizing the judicial continuity in addressing the party's internal disputes.
Justice Lifu elaborated that the evidence presented clearly demonstrated that Abure's tenure as chairman had expired long ago. He dismissed Abure's contention that the matter was purely an internal affair of the political party, stating that such arguments were non-justiciable in this context. The court underscored that establishing a caretaker committee was not merely an option but a necessity arising directly from the Supreme Court's judgment.
Establishment of Caretaker Authority
In a move that solidifies the transition, the Federal High Court has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the caretaker committee led by Esther Nenadi Usman as the sole legitimate authority representing the Labour Party. This interim arrangement is to remain in effect until the party convenes its national convention and conducts elections to install new leaders.
The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit marked THC/ABJ/CS/2262/2025, filed by Senator Usman, with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) listed among the defendants. This legal action highlights the ongoing tensions within the party's hierarchy and the broader struggle for control.
Supreme Court's Precedent and Appellate Court's Role
The Supreme Court's involvement was pivotal, with a five-member panel ruling on April 4 that the Court of Appeal lacked the legal standing to declare Julius Abure as national chairman. The apex court clarified that leadership issues inherently fall within the internal domain of political parties, placing them beyond the jurisdiction of the courts. It deemed the appeal by Senator Usman and another party as meritorious, reinforcing her position.
Contrastingly, the Court of Appeal had earlier, on January 17, affirmed Abure as the National Chairman. Presided over by Honourable Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, the appellate court referenced its judgment from November 13, 2024, in Appeal Number CA/Abj/CV/1172/2024, involving the Labour Party against Chief Olusola Nehemiah Ebiseni and INEC. This earlier decision had initially upheld Abure's leadership, creating a judicial conflict that the Supreme Court ultimately resolved.
Broader Implications for Opposition Politics
This ruling underscores the persistent leadership crises plaguing Nigeria's opposition parties, particularly since the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. The Labour Party, as a key opposition force, has been embroiled in internal strife, mirroring challenges faced by other political groups that have yet to stabilize their leadership structures.
The court's decision not only addresses immediate legal questions but also sets a precedent for how judicial bodies intervene in party affairs when constitutional and statutory boundaries are crossed. It highlights the delicate balance between party autonomy and legal oversight in Nigeria's evolving democratic framework.
