The Supreme Court of Nigeria has removed Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), overturning the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision that had recognized him as the party’s leader.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, a five-member panel of the supreme court ruled that the Court of Appeal in Abuja lacked the jurisdiction to determine the matter, as it pertained to the internal leadership affairs of the party. The Supreme Court reaffirmed that disputes over party leadership are internal and do not fall under judicial jurisdiction.
The judgment was delivered following an appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman and another individual. The Supreme Court upheld the appeal, stating that it had merit, and dismissed a cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the Labour Party, ruling that it lacked legal foundation.
Furthermore, the supreme court noted that Abure’s tenure had already expired, thereby reinforcing its decision to remove him from the party’s chairmanship position.
Reactions Trail Supreme Court Verdict
The ruling has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing divergent opinions on the implications for the Labour Party and its political trajectory.
A user, Kennie Saint, posted on X (formerly Twitter), comparing the judgment to a similar ruling involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He stated, “Just like the PDP national secretary case, the Supreme Court ruled that party leadership is an internal affair and the court lacks jurisdiction. LP should resolve its leadership crisis internally.”
Another X user, Ben Samuel, commented, “Sanity is back to the Labour Party, hopefully.” Similarly, Olawole referenced the PDP case, saying, “Same as the PDP judgment recognizing Sam as PDP Secretary. Only the party convention can determine leadership.”
Phemmy added a political dimension to the conversation, alleging that the judgment was a calculated move to weaken Peter Obi’s political aspirations. He wrote, “It’s just a gimmick to prevent Peter Obi from forming an alliance to challenge Tinubu in 2027. They have seen how the North is shifting towards the SDP. Obi should strategize or risk Tinubu staying in power indefinitely.”
Implications for Labour Party and 2027 Elections
The Supreme Court’s decision raises concerns about the Labour Party’s internal stability ahead of the 2027 general elections. With Abure’s removal, the party may face leadership struggles that could affect its ability to present a united front in future political contests.
The ruling also underscores the importance of internal party structures in resolving leadership disputes, reinforcing the precedent that courts have no jurisdiction over intra-party matters.
As the Labour Party navigates this leadership crisis, political analysts predict that key stakeholders, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, may have to intervene to maintain cohesion within the party.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the Labour Party’s ability to resolve its leadership issues amicably could play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape in the coming years.
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