• Usman hails judgment affirming her as LP leader
• Party unveils state congress electoral subcommittees

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has, in a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, dismissed the appeal filed by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party (LP).

It affirmed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader of the opposition party.

But Abure rejected the judgment and vowed to approach the Supreme Court to try his luck.

This was as the party released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral subcommittees for the coming congresses across the states of the federation, setting the stage for a crucial phase in its internal democratic process.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, relied on the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court that removed Abure as the National Chairman of LP and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman as the legitimate leader of the party, to the exclusion of all others.

Dissatisfied with the high court decision, Abure had approached the Court of Appeal in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026 – Barr. Julius Abure & Anor v. Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman & 3 Ors – seeking to overturn the judgment of the appellate court.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, with Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike concurring, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court.

The court held that the Supreme Court had, on April 4, 2025, conclusively settled the leadership dispute within the LP by nullifying the convention that purportedly returned Abure as National Chairman.

The appellate court held that the court below had the powers under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a statutory Federal Government agency to perform its functions when it ordered INEC to recognise Usman as LP National Chairman.

The appellate court also agreed with the trial court that the constitution of the Caretaker Committee of LP, headed by Usman, was a doctrine of necessity needed to provide leadership in the party when there appeared to be a vacuum.

The Justices accused Abure of abuse of court process and for engaging in forum shopping at a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already decided by the Supreme Court, and for persisting in laying claim to the leadership of the party despite the clear and unambiguous pronouncement of the apex court.

The court further held that the appeal was devoid of merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

Consequently, the court, while dismissing Abire’s appeal, imposed a cost of N10 million against him for wasting the time of the court on a matter that had already been conclusively determined.

The court also rejected Abure’s allegation that he was denied a fair hearing by the lower court, adding that the issue of fair hearing does not arise.

Reacting, Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and judicial integrity.

She said the judgment “brings clarity and stability after a prolonged internal dispute,” commending the judiciary for standing firm despite attempts to undermine due process.

The former minister also thanked party members for their loyalty and patience, urging them to remain united as the party prepares for its congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to her, the focus now is on strengthening internal democracy and rebuilding confidence in the party as a credible political alternative.

THE announcement unveiling of subcommittees by LP follows the earlier publication of the party’s congress timetable, with ward congresses scheduled for April 23, local council congresses on April 24, and state congresses on April 25, 2026.

Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, in a statement yesterday, indicated that the subcommittees comprise experienced and respected members tasked with overseeing the conduct of the congresses in their respective states, ensuring compliance with party guidelines and electoral standards.

According to the statement, Usman charged the appointees to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, transparency and integrity.

She emphasised that the credibility of the party’s internal processes must not be compromised.

Usman further reminded members of the party’s core values of equal opportunity and social justice, urging them to reflect these principles throughout the congresses.

She stressed the importance of diligence and commitment, noting that the outcome of the exercise would significantly shape the party’s future direction.

The party also reaffirmed that its National Convention is scheduled for April 28, 2026, in Umuahia, assuring members and supporters that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth and successful event.