Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the Senator Esther Nenadi Usman‑led National Caretaker Committee as the only valid and lawful leadership of the Labour Party (LP), affirming a long‑running legal battle over control of the party, Prime Business Africa reports.
Delivering judgment in a related suit, Justice Peter Lifu held that the tenure of Comrade Julius Abure, the former National Chairman, had elapsed based on a previous Supreme Court ruling, which had already voided earlier court decisions recognising Abure’s leadership.
The judge directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the Usman‑led caretaker committee as the official leadership of the party.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelLawyer Inibehe Effiong, who was present in court, confirmed that the judge emphasised the caretaker committee’s legitimacy and reinforced that Abure no longer holds authority within the party.
The judgment marks another development in a protracted leadership crisis within the Labour Party that intensified after the 2023 general elections. A faction within the party had moved to replace Abure with a 29‑member caretaker committee, chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman, citing internal disagreements and the expiration of Abure’s tenure.
READ ALSO : Labour Party Crisis: I Challenge Abure To Expose Us – Nenadi Usman
Labour Party Crisis: Usman Urges INEC To Remove Abure’s Name From Web Portal
Abure had contested his removal in court, asserting that he was lawfully elected and that internal party affairs should not be interfered with by the judiciary. However, the Supreme Court in April 2025 set aside previous rulings recognising Abure as chairman, declaring that his tenure had expired and emphasising strict adherence to the party constitution.
Since the apex court ruling, the Labour Party has experienced ongoing disputes over INEC’s recognition of officials and internal governance processes.
With the Federal High Court’s decision, the Nenadi Usman‑led committee is now legally empowered to administer the party’s affairs and prepare for upcoming congresses and national conventions in accordance with the party constitution.
As of this report, INEC has not issued an official statement on how quickly it will implement the court’s directive, leaving party stakeholders awaiting formal recognition of the committee.
The judgment is seen as a reaffirmation of the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling and a decisive step in resolving the Labour Party’s leadership crisis, providing clarity for its officials and members across the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
