LP Crisis: Abure Rejects Court Ruling, Heads to Appeal Court
The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) deepened on Wednesday as the factional National Chairman, Julius Abure, rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman–led caretaker committee.
In a statement issued by the factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, Abure faulted the ruling and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal, insisting that it ran contrary to the April 2025 judgment of the Supreme Court on the party’s leadership dispute.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had ruled that Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired and consequently ordered INEC to recognise the caretaker committee chaired by Senator Nenadi Usman, pending the conduct of the party’s national convention. The caretaker committee is aligned with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Reacting, the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) described the judgment as a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s decision and an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the party.
Although acknowledging that the party was yet to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, Abure maintained that the ruling would be appealed.
“Although we are yet to see the Certified True Copy of the judgment to fully make a comment on it, our position will become stronger when we do so,” he said.
“However, from the brief we have received so far, it is clear that the party will appeal the judgment.”
The development further underscores the deepening factionalisation within the Labour Party, as contending groups continue to lay claim to its national leadership.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
