The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has on Tuesday affirmed the sack of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of Labour Party.
The appeal filed by Abure was unanimously dismissed by a three-member panel of Justices.
The court agreed with the lower court that Senator Nenadi Usman-led team is the authentic leadership of Labour Party.
It also imposed N10 million fine on Abure for wasting the time of the court.
The appeal court agreed with the trial court that the court below had the powers under Section 251 of the Constitution to compel a statutory Federal Government agency to perform its functions when it ordered the INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the national chairman of the Labour Party.
The appeal court also agreed with the trial court that the constitution of the Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party headed by Usman was a doctrine of necessity needed to provide leadership in the party when there seemed to be a vacuum in the party.
The Justices strongly criticised Barr. Abure for abuse of court process and for going on forum shopping in a Nasarawa State High Court on a matter already decided by the Supreme Court and for persisting in laying claim to the leadership of the Party despite the clear and unambiguous pronouncement of the apex court.
The Court further held that the appeal was devoid of merit and constituted an abuse of court process.
Consequently, the Court, while dismissing the appeal by Barr. Abure, imposed a cost of ten million naira against him for wasting judicial time on a matter that had already been conclusively determined.
Reacting to the judgment, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. She commended the judiciary for its courage and steadfastness in upholding justice despite attempts by certain elements to undermine its integrity.
Senator Usman also expressed gratitude to party faithful and supporters across the country for their patience, loyalty, and unwavering commitment during the period of uncertainty.
She urged all stakeholders to remain focused on the Party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention.
The Party further appreciates members of the media for their professionalism and objective reporting and calls on Nigerians to continue to place their trust in the Labour Party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
