In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has declared that the issue surrounding the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) is an internal party matter, effectively resolving the longstanding dispute over its national chairmanship.
The Court set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal that had previously recognized Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party. A unanimous five-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction in this matter, emphasizing that the leadership of a political party is an internal issue that cannot be adjudicated by the judiciary.
Additionally, the Supreme Court upheld the appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman, affirming her position as the National Caretaker Chairman of the Labour Party. The court dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Abure’s faction, ruling it as unmeritorious.
This ruling is seen as a significant victory for the faction led by Peter Obi and Alex Otti, reinforcing their control over the party. The decision is expected to have lasting implications for the party’s structure and leadership moving forward.
