The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has imposed a ₦10 million fine on Julius Abure for abuse of court process, while dismissing his appeal challenging the leadership of the Labour Party.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, the court held that Abure’s suit was devoid of merit and a waste of judicial time, having been brought on a matter already conclusively decided by the Supreme Court.
The appellate court consequently affirmed the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which recognised Nenadi Usman as the legitimate national chairman of the party.
It held that the apex court had, on April 4, 2025, settled the leadership dispute when it nullified the convention that produced Abure as chairman. The court further agreed that the Federal High Court acted within its powers under Section 251 of the Constitution when it directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Usman.
On the caretaker leadership, the court upheld Usman’s committee as a product of necessity to fill a vacuum within the party.
The justices also faulted Abure for engaging in forum shopping by approaching a Nasarawa State High Court on an issue already determined by the Supreme Court, and for continuing to lay claim to the party’s leadership despite clear judicial pronouncements.
Reacting to the ruling, Usman described the judgment as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, urging party members to remain united ahead of future party activities and the 2027 general elections.
The decision marks a decisive judicial stance on the lingering Labour Party leadership crisis.
