The protracted leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) reached a definitive climax on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The Federal High Court in Abuja officially affirmed the removal of Julius Abure as the National Chairman and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the party’s only lawful leadership.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Lifu, effectively ends Abure’s years-long grip on the party and settles the dispute over who controls the “Obidient” political machinery.
The Verdict: “Tenure Has Elapsed”
Justice Lifu’s ruling was built on the foundation of a landmark Supreme Court judgment from April 4, 2025, which had already declared that Abure’s tenure expired in June 2024.
Key highlights of the judgment:
- End of an Era: The court ruled that Julius Abure no longer possesses the legal standing to parade himself as the National Chairman.
- Recognition of Caretaker Committee: The court upheld the September 2024 Umuahia Stakeholders’ Meeting—convened by Governor Alex Otti and attended by Peter Obi—which birthed the Nenadi Usman committee.
- INEC Mandate: The judge issued a mandatory order for INEC to “forthwith” recognize Senator Nenadi Usman and update its portal to reflect the caretaker leadership.
Eye-Witness Account: Inibehe Effiong
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who was present in court for a separate matter, broke the news via social media.
“Justice Lifu has just upheld Senator Nenadi Esther Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the only valid and lawful leadership of the Labour Party,” Effiong stated. “The Judge reaffirmed that by the Supreme Court’s judgment, Julius Abure’s tenure had since elapsed.”
The Fallout: Abure’s Defiance vs. Usman’s Victory
- The Abure Camp: Despite the ruling, the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) has previously dismissed court orders as “internal party matters” and continued to operate from the party’s Abuja headquarters. It remains to be seen if they will attempt a fresh appeal or be forcibly evicted.
- The Usman Camp: For Nenadi Usman, the ruling is a “victory for the rule of law.” It clears the path for her committee to organize a national convention and prepare the party for the 2026 Local Government elections and the 2027 General Election.
