Supreme Court Declares Abure Not Labour Party Chairman
Supreme Court Overturns Appeal Court Ruling on Labour Party Leadership
The Supreme Court has nullified the Court of Appeal’s judgment that affirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel on Friday, the apex court ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to declare Abure as LP’s leader, as it had already determined that the case primarily concerned the party’s internal leadership structure.
The Supreme Court emphasized that leadership disputes within a political party fall under internal affairs, which are beyond the jurisdiction of the courts.
Consequently, the court upheld the appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman and another appellant, declaring it meritorious. Meanwhile, it dismissed the cross-appeal by Abure’s faction for lacking merit.
Background of the Case
On January 17, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a judgment delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, had recognized Julius Abure as the LP National Chairman.
The ruling upheld an earlier decision from November 2024, which also affirmed Abure’s leadership.
Justice Barka’s verdict overturned an October 8, 2024, ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had dismissed Abure’s claim to the chairmanship.
The appellate court concluded that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place, leading to its decision in favor of Abure.
With the Supreme Court’s latest ruling, the Labour Party now faces uncertainty regarding its leadership, as Abure’s recognition as chairman has been set aside.
Supreme Court Declares Abure Not Labour Party Chairman
