Madmo
January 19, 2025 – The National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party (LP) has announced its intention to seek further clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the ongoing leadership dispute within the party. This development follows recent rulings by the Court of Appeal that left unresolved questions surrounding the party’s leadership.
Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, confirmed the move during the weekend, explaining that the rulings of November 13, 2024, and January 17, 2025, by the Court of Appeal necessitate a definitive interpretation from the apex court. The Committee has accordingly directed its legal team to proceed with the case and urged its supporters nationwide to remain patient.
The leadership tussle dates back to September 4, 2024, when key stakeholders in the Labour Party—including the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti—convened in Umuahia to form the Caretaker Committee. The move aimed to pave the way for an all-inclusive national convention. However, the Barrister Julius Abure-led faction challenged the Committee’s legitimacy, escalating the matter to the courts.
Appeal Court Ruling and Controversy
In a press statement released on Saturday, January 17, 2025, Senator Usman and the Committee’s Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, clarified the implications of the latest Appeal Court judgment (Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024).
The judgment upheld three critical points:
- Lack of Jurisdiction: The Court of Appeal ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the leadership dispute brought by Barr. Julius Abure.
- Judicial Error: The Federal High Court was found to have acted beyond its jurisdiction by entertaining the suit.
- Violation of Fair Hearing: The Federal High Court was criticized for failing to consider the Caretaker Committee’s counter-affidavit, thereby violating their right to a fair hearing.
As a result, the Appeal Court struck out the original suit (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024) filed by Barr. Abure.
Disputed Findings
The Caretaker Committee contested a separate finding from the Court of Appeal in a November 13, 2024, judgment (Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024), which reportedly recognized Julius Abure as the Labour Party’s National Chairman. According to the Committee, this ruling pertained solely to a governorship nomination in Ondo State and was unrelated to the leadership dispute.
Legal and Political Implications
The Committee reiterated the legal principle that Nigerian courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters, including leadership disputes. They commended the Appeal Court for affirming this position in their latest judgment.
The leadership crisis within the Labour Party has become a significant issue as the party seeks to consolidate its gains from the 2023 general elections. The Supreme Court’s ruling will likely have far-reaching implications for the party’s future direction.
