Federal High Court Clarifies Supreme Court Judgment, Declares Julius Abure’s Tenure Expired and Upholds INEC’s Position on Labour Party Leadership
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The lingering leadership tussle within the Labour Party took a decisive turn Friday as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a landmark ruling interpreting the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgment on the tenure of the Julius Abure-led National Executive Council (NEC).
In its ruling, the court affirmed that Julius Abure’s tenure as National Chairman of the Labour Party officially expired on June 8, 2024.
The court also upheld the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) sworn position rejecting Abure’s continued claim to leadership and declaring the controversial Nnewi convention of March 27, 2024, as illegal, null, and void.
The judgment dismissed Abure’s case against INEC in its entirety, striking it out for want of jurisdiction.
According to the court, the apex court’s earlier pronouncement remained binding under Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thereby rendering further attempts to validate Abure’s leadership untenable.
INEC had, in its counter-affidavit before the court, categorically confirmed that the tenure of Abure and his NEC had lapsed in June 2024.
The Commission further declared that it did not monitor or recognise the Nnewi convention, citing its inconsistency with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, and the Labour Party Constitution.
Reacting to the development, Senator Nenadi Usman, Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, hailed the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and internal party democracy.
In an official statement, she described the ruling as “an authoritative affirmation of the Supreme Court’s binding pronouncement” and commended INEC for its “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” in upholding due process.
“I received with profound relief and deep satisfaction the news of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, which today dismissed in its entirety the case instituted by Mr. Julius Abure against the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Senator Usman said.
She reiterated that the judgment should mark the end of the internal distractions that have plagued the party, calling on members and stakeholders to rally behind the interim leadership in rebuilding and repositioning the Labour Party into a credible and people-focused political force.
“With this judgment—and INEC’s clear, unambiguous stance—it is time for all members of the Labour Party to put this needless distraction behind us and recommit ourselves to the urgent task of rebuilding and repositioning our party,” she stated.
Senator Usman pledged to lead with transparency and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, promising to restore unity, discipline, and internal democracy within the Labour Party as it prepares for upcoming political contests.
The latest ruling effectively settles the prolonged controversy surrounding Abure’s claim to leadership and firmly establishes Senator Nenadi Usman’s interim leadership as recognised by law and affirmed by the electoral commission.
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