A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Julius Abure’s suit challenging his removal, confirming that his tenure as National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) has expired. The court’s ruling, delivered on 16 August 2025, struck out Abure’s case for lack of jurisdiction and aligned with the Supreme Court’s 4 April 2025 decision that nullified any prior recognition of his leadership. INEC, in its counter‑affidavit, stated that Abure’s term and that of the National Executive Committee ended in June 2024.
Justice Hamza Muazu had earlier (April 2023) barred Abure and other national officers from parading themselves as party leaders, ordering substituted service of court processes on them. The latest judgment reinforces that order and explicitly directs INEC to “immediately recognise” Senator Nenadi Usman’s National Caretaker Committee as the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party.
Senator Usman, who was appointed interim chair by a July 2025 NEC resolution, welcomed the decision, describing it as “a clear and final closure to the leadership tussle” and urging party members to “put distractions behind us and rebuild the Labour Party into the disciplined, people‑centred movement Nigerians deserve.” She also commended INEC for its “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” in presenting the facts to the court.
The ruling is expected to end the year‑long factional battle that has split the party, paving the way for preparations for upcoming by‑elections and the 2027 general elections. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and other stakeholders have already begun rallying behind Usman’s committee, with plans to re‑register members and conduct fresh congresses at all levels.
