By: Peace udugba -The daily torch media
The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) and recognised former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s authentic leader.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, relied on the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, to affirm the legality of the Nenadi Usman–led caretaker committee and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise it as the party’s only valid authority pending a national convention.
The court held that Abure’s tenure had expired and dismissed his claim that the matter was an internal party issue, describing the caretaker committee as a necessity arising from the Supreme Court’s directive.
The leadership crisis in the party had earlier led the National Executive Committee (NEC) to remove Abure and set up a 29-member caretaker committee chaired by Usman during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, hosted by Governor Alex Otti and chaired by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Although lower courts had earlier ruled in Abure’s favour, the Supreme Court overturned the decisions, upheld Usman’s appeal, and dismissed Abure’s cross-appeal.
The apex court also reminded political parties to strictly follow their constitutions and ensure that officials vacate office immediately after their tenures expire
