In a landmark ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. The apex court delivered a unanimous judgment that nullified the earlier verdict of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had upheld Abure’s leadership of the party.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled that the appellate court had acted beyond its jurisdiction by intervening in the internal affairs of the Labour Party. According to the court, leadership matters within political parties are considered internal disputes that fall outside the purview of judicial authority.
The justices clarified that only the party’s constitution and internal mechanisms should determine its leadership structure—not the courts. The ruling effectively reaffirms the principle of party autonomy in leadership decisions.
The appeal was filed by Senator Esther Usman and another party stakeholder, who challenged the recognition of Abure as chairman. The Supreme Court found their appeal meritorious and allowed it, stating that Abure’s tenure had already lapsed based on available court submissions.
Additionally, the court dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Abure’s camp, reinforcing that his claim to the chairmanship had no legal standing.
The ruling is expected to reshape the power dynamics within the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also raises questions about the party’s readiness to maintain internal stability following a long-standing leadership crisis.
More updates are expected as the Labour Party responds to the judgment and determines its next course of action.
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