A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the party’s caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman pending the conduct of a national convention.
Delivering judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2262/2025, Justice Peter Lifu held that Abure’s tenure had expired and that he no longer had the legal authority to act in that capacity.
The court ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Senator Usman remained the only valid structure empowered to act for and represent the Labour Party at the national level. Justice Lifu based his decision on the existing position of the Supreme Court concerning the party’s lingering leadership crisis.
According to the judge, the apex court’s pronouncement on the matter remains binding, stressing that any action taken outside the recognised caretaker arrangement would amount to a breach of due process.
The ruling effectively settles, at least for now, the prolonged internal dispute that has divided the party’s leadership, while paving the way for the organisation of a national convention to elect substantive officers.
INEC was consequently ordered to relate only with the Usman-led caretaker committee on all matters concerning the Labour Party until a valid national convention is conducted.
