The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party, affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the legitimate leader.
The three-member panel, in a unanimous decision, upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi held that the Supreme Court of Nigeria had already settled the leadership dispute on April 4, 2025, nullifying the convention that produced Abure.
The court also ruled that the lower court acted within its powers in directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise Usman as party leader.
The appellate court described Abure’s actions as an abuse of court process, citing his attempt to relitigate the matter in a Nasarawa State High Court despite a definitive Supreme Court ruling.
It dismissed the appeal as lacking merit and imposed a N10 million fine on him, also rejecting claims that he was denied fair hearing.
Reacting to the judgment, Usman hailed it as a victory for democracy and judicial integrity, saying it brings clarity after a prolonged crisis.
She urged party members to remain united and focus on strengthening internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the party has unveiled electoral subcommittees for its upcoming congresses, with ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for April 23 to 25, 2026, and a national convention set for April 28 in Umuahia.
Usman charged members to ensure transparency and uphold the party’s core values throughout the process.