By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Julius Abure’s lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), effectively ending his tenure as Labour Party’s National Chairman.
The court’s decision was delivered on August 15, 2025, and it aligns with the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 ruling that nullified Abure’s leadership recognition.
The Federal High Court struck out Abure’s suit due to lack of jurisdiction, supporting the Supreme Court’s earlier judgment.
INEC confirmed Abure’s tenure expired in June 2024 and refused to recognize the March 27, 2024 “Nnewi National Convention” due to constitutional and guideline violations.
Senator Nenadi Usman welcomed the judgment, saying that it “removes every lingering doubt” about Abure’s status. He said, “This is another unambiguous affirmation of the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s binding pronouncements. The chapter is closed — we must put distractions behind us and rebuild the Labour Party into the disciplined, people-centred movement Nigerians deserve.”
The ruling may put an end to the factional disputes affecting the party for over a year, especially with upcoming bye-elections and the 2027 general elections.
Senator Nenadi Usman praised INEC’s “clarity, courage, and institutional integrity” in upholding the law and urged party members to respect the Constitution and court authority.
Abure’s faction, however, disputes INEC’s claims, arguing the commission’s counter-affidavit has been previously rejected by courts, including the Supreme Court.
