BREAKING: Appeal Court Dismisses Abure’s Suit, Affirms Labour Party Interim Committee, Awards ₦10m Costs

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal filed by former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, describing the application as lacking merit and affirming the earlier judgment of a lower court on the party’s leadership dispute.

In its ruling, the appellate court upheld the decision of the Nasarawa State High Court regarding the leadership structure of the party and the constitution of an interim committee currently overseeing its affairs.

The court also faulted the conduct of the trial judge who earlier granted an interim order restraining the chairperson of the committee, Nenadi Usman. According to the appellate court, the order was issued recklessly and without the requisite jurisdiction.

Delivering judgment, the court held that the formation and recognition of the interim committee fall strictly within the internal administrative framework of the Labour Party and should not have been subjected to judicial intervention in the manner earlier attempted.

The appellate panel further observed that the suit initially filed at the lower court was directed primarily against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rather than focusing exclusively on internal party matters. This, the court said, reinforced the legal basis for dismissing the appeal.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal affirmed the earlier ruling and ordered Julius Abure to pay ₦10 million in costs.

Political observers say the judgment could significantly reshape the internal power dynamics within the Labour Party, as party stakeholders continue consultations and strategic repositioning ahead of future electoral contests in Nigeria.