Labour Party leadership crisis took a new turn on Wednesday after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise a caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, effectively removing Julius Abure as national chairman. The ruling has triggered fresh calls for reconciliation from the faction loyal to Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Senator Usman, interim national chairman of the Otti-backed bloc, described the judgment as an opportunity to heal divisions rather than inflame tensions. In a statement issued through her media aide, she urged party members to avoid triumphalism and embrace dialogue, stressing that the ruling should mark a fresh start for the party.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Abure’s tenure had elapsed and directed INEC to recognise the caretaker committee constituted by the party’s National Executive Committee pending a national convention. The decision followed months of internal disputes that have paralysed the opposition party.
Usman said the judgment represents a “no victor, no vanquished” moment and insisted that the Labour Party remains one indivisible entity. She called on aggrieved members, including those opposed to the ruling, to sheathe their swords in the interest of rebuilding the party into a credible opposition force.
However, Abure swiftly rejected the judgment and announced plans to challenge it on appeal. In a statement by party spokesman Obiora Ifoh, his faction argued that the ruling contradicted an April 2025 Supreme Court decision which held that courts lacked jurisdiction over party leadership disputes.
Abure’s camp alleged procedural irregularities, claiming it was denied fair hearing and that the case was reassigned under suspicious circumstances. The faction also questioned how a Federal High Court could appoint a caretaker leadership after the Supreme Court declined jurisdiction on similar matters.
Despite the pushback, the Otti-backed bloc doubled down on reconciliation efforts. Usman announced plans to set up a Truce and Reconciliation Committee to engage aggrieved stakeholders and restore internal harmony. She also urged INEC to comply fully with the court order to avoid further distractions.
The crisis stems from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, hosted by Governor Otti and chaired by Peter Obi, where Abure was removed and a 29-member caretaker committee was formed. As the Labour Party leadership crisis continues, the party faces a defining test of unity ahead of future electoral battles.
