Two LP factions claim victory in Appeal Court ruling

Caretaker committee heads to S’Court

The leadership crisis in the Labour Party (LP) seems to be far from over, as two factions have separately claimed victory of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered last Friday.

While the group loyal to Julius Abure claimed victory that he remains the party’s National chairman, the group loyal to the caretaker committee led by Nenadi Usman insisted that only the Supreme Court could determine the true leadership.

The caretaker committee, therefore, advised items lawyers to approach the apex court.

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 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 Abure’s faction, citing lack of jurisdiction.

However, a previous Appeal Court decision on November 13, 2024, 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, Abia State, argues 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.

Usman, speaking over the weekend, emphasised 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.

LP, which gained significant prominence in the 2023 elections with Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, now faces an existential threat.

The leadership crisis 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 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 Abure’s control, signalling a new chapter for the party.