Labour Party Leadership Crisis Ends As Court Dismisses Julius Abure’s Case Against INEC

The Labour Party’s leadership dispute took a decisive turn on Friday as the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Julius Abure’s case against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirming he is no longer the party’s National Chairman.

In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, the court struck out Abure’s suit for lack of jurisdiction, aligning with the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling (Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025), which nullified all previous recognitions of his leadership.

Reacting to the judgment, Interim National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, PhD, said the ruling “removes every lingering doubt” about Abure’s status.

“This is another unambiguous affirmation of the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s binding pronouncements,” Usman said. “The chapter is closed — we must put distractions behind us and rebuild the Labour Party into the disciplined, people-centred movement Nigerians deserve.”

INEC’s counter-affidavit made the matter clear, stating that Abure’s tenure, along with that of the National Executive Committee, expired in June 2024. The commission also confirmed that the March 27, 2024 “Nnewi National Convention” was never monitored or recognised, citing violations of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and the Labour Party constitution.

Usman commended INEC for its “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” and urged all party members to “respect the supremacy of the Constitution and the authority of the courts.”

With bye-elections imminent and the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the ruling is expected to end the factional battle that has plagued the Labour Party for over a year.