Labour Party’s crisis deepens as two factions lay claim to Appeal Court victory

There seems to be no end in sight for the Labour Party (LP)’s leadership crisis as two factions have separately claimed victory over a Court of Appeal judgement delivered on Friday, January 17, 2025.

While the group loyal to Julius Abure claimed victory, stating that he remains the party’s National Chairman, the group loyal to the Caretaker Committee leadership led by Nenadi Usman has disagreed, insisting that only the Supreme Court can determine the true leadership.

A statement jointly signed by the Caretaker Chairperson, Nenadi Usman, and Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, announced plans to escalate the ongoing dispute to the Supreme Court.

The move, it claimed, will address lingering ambiguities stemming from conflicting rulings by the Court of Appeal, potentially reshaping the party’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the heart of the dispute is the leadership of the Labour Party, which has seen competing factions vying for control since September 2024. The Court of Appeal’s January 17, 2025, judgment struck out a Federal High Court ruling that had earlier sided with Barr. Julius Abure’s faction, citing lack of jurisdiction.

However, a previous Appeal Court decision on November 13, 2024, has led to confusion as it recognised Abure as the party’s National Chairman in a separate matter.

The Caretaker Committee, formed during a September 2024 stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, is arguing that only the Supreme Court can provide a definitive resolution. The committee views the recent Court of Appeal decision as a validation of this principle but is determined to seek further clarification to prevent future legal entanglements.

Sen. Nenadi Usman, speaking over the weekend, stressed the need for patience among party members and supporters.

“This is not just about resolving a dispute; it’s about laying a foundation for a truly democratic Labour Party,” she said.

The Labour Party, which gained significant prominence in the 2023 elections with Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, now faces an existential threat. The leadership crisis has stalled plans for a National Convention and left many supporters disillusioned. Analysts warn that prolonged infighting could erode public trust and undermine the party’s momentum ahead of crucial state and federal elections.

The Supreme Court’s eventual ruling will not only determine the rightful leadership of the Labour Party but may also set a precedent for resolving internal conflicts within political parties in Nigeria.

For now, the party’s future hangs in the balance as both factions brace for what promises to be a landmark legal battle. The outcome will either consolidate the Caretaker Committee’s position or restore Julius Abure’s control, signalling a new chapter for the Labour Party.