ABUJA: The Federal High Court in Abuja has formally recognized Senator Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker Committee as the legitimate leadership of the Labour Party (LP), effectively removing Julius Abure as national chairman.
Justice Peter Lifu, delivering the judgment, based the decision on the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court ruling, which nullified Abure’s claim to the chairmanship.
The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the only lawful authority to act on behalf of the party pending a national convention.
The ruling followed a suit filed by Senator Usman, challenging Abure’s continued tenure.
The court also dismissed Abure’s claim that the matter was an internal party issue, noting that the formation of the caretaker committee was required under the Supreme Court’s binding orders.
Earlier, the Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had reaffirmed Senator Usman as national chairman, pledging to conduct all congresses and the National Convention in line with the party constitution.
In its 2025 judgment, the Supreme Court overturned a Court of Appeal ruling that had recognized Abure, stating that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction over party leadership disputes.
Senator Usman was originally appointed caretaker chairperson in September 2024, alongside 28 other committee members.
The court’s decision resolves the leadership tussle within the party, paving the way for party activities and national convention preparations under the Usman-led caretaker committee.
