In a landmark ruling that has reshaped the leadership structure of the Labour Party (LP), a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, January 16, 2026, sacked Julius Abure as National Chairman of the party.
Justice Hamza Muazu delivered the judgment in the suit filed by stakeholders challenging Abure’s continued leadership, declaring his tenure and that of the National Working Committee (NWC) he led as null and void.
The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as the authentic leadership of the Labour Party pending the conduct of a fresh national convention.
Key excerpts from the judgment:
Julius Abure’s purported extension of tenure and the NWC under him were held to be in breach of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
The court described the process that led to Abure’s emergence and continuation as “irregular, undemocratic, and contrary to the spirit of the LP constitution.”
INEC was directed to update its records within 7 days to reflect the Nenadi Usman caretaker committee as the interim leadership authorised to organise a credible national convention.
The ruling brings a temporary end to the prolonged factional crisis that has split the Labour Party since 2024, pitting the Abure-led faction against a coalition of stakeholders including former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s supporters, some governors, and party elders.
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Reactions
Nenadi Usman (Caretaker Chairman): “This is a victory for democracy, internal party democracy, and the millions of Nigerians who look to the Labour Party as a credible alternative. We will immediately begin preparations for a transparent national convention.”
Julius Abure: Through his media aide, Abure described the judgment as “a miscarriage of justice” and vowed to appeal to higher courts.
Peter Obi: In a short statement, the former LP presidential candidate welcomed the ruling, calling it “a step toward restoring the soul and integrity of the party.”
The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for the opposition landscape ahead of 2027, particularly in the South-East and South-South where the Labour Party enjoys strong grassroots support.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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