Supreme Court Overturns Ruling Recognizing Julius Abure as Labour Party National Chairman

 Supreme Court Overturns Ruling Recognizing Julius Abure as Labour Party National Chairman

In a decisive ruling that reshapes Nigeria’s political landscape, the Supreme Court has nullified the Court of Appeal’s verdict that previously affirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP). This landmark decision, delivered by a five-member panel, underscores the judiciary’s position on political party autonomy and the limits of judicial intervention in internal party affairs.

Judicial Authority and Party Autonomy

The apex court ruled that the Court of Appeal overstepped its jurisdiction by intervening in the Labour Party’s leadership dispute. Reinforcing the doctrine of non-interference, the Supreme Court emphasized that internal party matters should be resolved within the party framework rather than through the judiciary. This judgment aligns with past rulings that uphold political parties’ rights to self-regulate, a principle critical to democratic governance.

The battle over Abure’s chairmanship traces back to serious financial mismanagement allegations. In February 2024, Oluchi Oparah, the party’s National Treasurer, accused Abure of misappropriating N3.5 billion—a claim he vehemently denied, threatening legal action against his accusers. This triggered an internal power struggle, culminating in legal actions that have rocked the party’s foundation.

In April 2023, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court restrained Abure from presenting himself as LP’s national chairman. However, in October 2024, a Federal High Court reinstated him, instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize his leadership. The conflicting judgments created uncertainty within the party, fueling deeper divisions.

Caretaker Committee and Its Mandate

To stabilize the party, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed Senator Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of Finance, as head of a 29-member caretaker committee. This interim body was tasked with organizing fresh leadership elections within 90 days. The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively affirms the NEC’s authority, giving legitimacy to Usman’s leadership and paving the way for a new leadership structure.

The ruling has sparked diverse reactions within political circles. Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, clarified that the court did not explicitly remove Abure but rather reinforced the principle that courts should not interfere in party leadership matters. Meanwhile, Senator Usman hailed the verdict as a victory for democracy and institutional stability, vowing to guide the party through a transparent leadership transition.

This ruling is not just a legal precedent but a significant political milestone. By affirming the NEC’s authority, it sets a benchmark for future political disputes and reinforces the independence of political party governance. The decision also has electoral implications, as the Labour Party prepares for upcoming elections with a new leadership structure.

The Supreme Court’s decision is a watershed moment for Nigeria’s political landscape. It strengthens internal democracy within political parties and reaffirms that leadership disputes should be resolved within party structures rather than through protracted court battles. As the Labour Party navigates this transition, the focus now shifts to how the caretaker committee will manage the leadership restructuring and whether the party can emerge stronger ahead of the next election cycle.

This ruling not only reshapes LP’s internal politics but also sends a strong message to all political parties about the need for internal dispute resolution mechanisms. With Nigeria’s democracy evolving, the role of political parties in self-regulation has never been more crucial. The Labour Party’s next steps will determine whether this ruling becomes a stepping stone for stronger party governance or another chapter in its internal turmoil.