Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, anchored the decision of the court on the April 4, 2025, ruling of the Supreme Court, which nullified Abure’s claim to the position.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has formally recognised the Senator Usman Nenadi-led Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party (LP) as the legitimate leadership of the party, effectively removing Julius Abure as national chairman.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, anchored the decision of the court on the April 4, 2025, ruling of the Supreme Court, which nullified Abure’s claim to the position.
In a consequential order, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately accord recognition to the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the only lawful authority to act for and represent the Labour Party, pending the conduct of a national convention.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by Senator Nenadi Usman challenging Abure’s continued stay in office.
Abure and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) were listed as defendants in the matter.
Justice Lifu held that materials placed before the court clearly showed that Abure’s tenure as national chairman of the Labour Party had expired.
The court dismissed Abure’s argument that the dispute was an internal party affair not subject to judicial intervention, ruling instead that the constitution of a caretaker committee was “a necessity” arising directly from the binding orders of the Supreme Court.
The court further noted that the apex court’s decision had effectively resolved the leadership tussle within the party and left no room for continued claims by Abure.
Earlier, on January 9, the Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had also announced its recognition of Senator Nenadi Usman as national chairman, a move the party said was in full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.
According to the party, the decision reaffirmed the April 4, 2025, ruling of the Supreme Court, which declared that Julius Abure’s tenure as national chairman had elapsed.
“The NWC reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the Party shall hold accordingly, in strict compliance with the provisions of the Party Constitution.
“Members at all levels are therefore encouraged to actively participate in the congress processes,” the party stated.
In its judgment delivered in April 2025, the Supreme Court set aside the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, which had recognised Abure as Labour Party national chairman.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, unanimously held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to determine issues bordering on the leadership of the party.
The Supreme Court consequently upheld the appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman, who was appointed caretaker chairperson in September 2024 alongside 28 other members of the Caretaker Committee.