A Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the
(LP), ruling that his tenure has expired and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, reaffirmed the legal position that Abure’s leadership had lapsed, referencing an earlier Supreme Court decision which had already determined that his tenure was no longer valid. The court held that the caretaker committee, led by Senator Usman, is the only lawful leadership pending a properly convened national convention.
The decision resolves a prolonged leadership dispute within the Labour Party that saw multiple court rulings and internal factional battles over control of the party’s national executive. Abure had previously secured favourable decisions from lower courts, including the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, but those were later overturned on appeal, leading to the current affirmation of the caretaker committee. The ruling directs INEC to immediately recognise Usman’s committee for electoral and administrative purposes.
Political analysts say the court order could help stabilize the party’s leadership structure ahead of the country’s upcoming 2027 general elections, ensuring a clear chain of command and compliance with internal party rules. The Usman-led committee now assumes responsibility for guiding the Labour Party’s organisational affairs until a national convention is held.
