In a landmark ruling on April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court declared that internal leadership decisions are solely the prerogative of political parties, thereby reaffirming Barrister Julius Abure as the authentic National Chairman of the Labour Party.
National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, hailed the judgement as a resounding victory for democracy and the rule of law. “The Supreme Court today made it clear that the matter of choosing leaders is purely an internal affair of the political party. Their ruling confirms that the structures of the Labour Party are fully empowered to select their leaders, without undue judicial interference,” Ifoh stated in a press release in Abuja.
Ifoh further noted that the ruling invalidated the appeal by Senator Nenadi Usman at the Appeal Court and the earlier Labour Party suit at the trial court. “The judgment rightly upholds the accumulated decisions of the high courts, confirming that Julius Abure remains the National Chairman,” he added.
The judgement also referenced the Appeal Court decision in Labour Party v. Ebiseni and 2 others (CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024) delivered on November 13, 2024, which had affirmed Abure’s leadership—a ruling that remains valid and unchallenged. “This is a clear indication that the constitutional framework of the party is to be respected and that only the party can decide its leadership,” Ifoh emphasized.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary of the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (LPNCC), described the verdict as a monumental victory not only for the Labour Party but also for Nigeria’s democracy. “This ruling is a significant win for our nation. It demonstrates that the judiciary remains a pillar of justice and a last hope for the common man, ensuring that the rule of law prevails over any attempts to meddle in party affairs,” Nwokocha said.
The LP NCC stressed that the judgement sends a powerful message: political parties must resolve their internal disputes through their own mechanisms rather than through courts. “We urge all true members of the Labour Party to abide by the Supreme Court’s decision and to resolve any internal disagreements via our party’s constitutional processes,” said Ifoh.
While some dissenting voices have claimed that this ruling paves the way for a new leadership, the party’s current structures—validated by the Supreme Court—affirm Abure’s position. The verdict is seen as a crucial step toward unifying the party and strengthening its foundation for future political reforms and nation-building initiatives.
In a broader call for unity, the Labour Party extended an invitation to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to join in the mission of restoring justice, equity, and democratic values in the country. “Together, we will continue to fight for a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria,” the party statement concluded.
As the Labour Party moves forward under Abure’s leadership, the ruling stands as a reminder that the choices of political parties are to be respected and that the judiciary’s role is not to intrude in internal party matters.
