The Labour Party’s leadership tussle remains unresolved as the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee announces its decision to seek clarification from the Supreme Court over conflicting rulings by the Court of Appeal. According to the committee, decisions made on November 13, 2024, and January 17, 2025, have left significant ambiguities requiring the apex court’s interpretation.
The Julius Abure faction interprets the rulings as confirmation of its leadership, but the Usman-led Caretaker Committee disputes this, asserting that only the Supreme Court can settle the matter. In a joint statement signed by Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, the committee urged supporters nationwide to remain patient, pledging to continue their legal battle to ensure clarity and justice.
This leadership crisis began escalating in September 2024 when major stakeholders, including the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, formed the Caretaker Committee in Umuahia. This move aimed to organize a national convention but was challenged in court by the Abure-led faction.
In its January 17 ruling, the Court of Appeal reportedly upheld that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to handle the leadership dispute. It declared that the Federal High Court erred in entertaining the case and failed to grant fair hearing to the Usman-led committee, ultimately striking out the lower court’s decision. However, the appellate court also referenced an earlier judgment from November 13, 2024, suggesting Julius Abure as the National Chairman, further fueling controversy.
The Usman-led faction challenges the validity of this finding, stating it contradicts the substantive ruling. They argue that internal party matters, like leadership disputes, should remain within the party’s purview rather than being adjudicated externally.
As the case advances to the Supreme Court, it underscores deepening divisions within the Labour Party. Observers await the resolution of this power struggle, which continues to impact the party’s unity and preparations for future electoral contests.
