The Supreme Court on Friday removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party in a unanimous judgment by a five-member panel.
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has ousted Julius Abure as Labour Party chairman, voiding a prior Court of Appeal ruling that upheld his position. The apex court unanimously held that lower courts lacked jurisdiction over internal party matters, declaring Abure’s tenure already expired. The judgment favored an appeal by Senator Esther Usman, while dismissing Abure’s cross-appeal. “The appellate court lacked jurisdiction to make such declaration,” the court ruled, emphasizing parties’ autonomy in leadership disputes.
The decision resolves a prolonged factional crisis within the opposition party ahead of crucial elections. Political analysts suggest the ruling may trigger fresh leadership contests within the Labour Party, which has gained prominence recently. Neither Abure nor party officials immediately commented on the judgment’s implications for ongoing political operations.