LP Faction Responds to INEC's Declaration That Abure's Term Has Ended for Usman
Labour Party Leadership Crisis: Federal High Court and INEC Reject Julius Abure's Leadership
The leadership of the Labour Party has been plunged into a crisis, as both the Federal High Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have rejected Julius Abure's claim to the position of National Chairman.
The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Abure's case against INEC regarding his leadership, effectively ruling against him [4]. Following this, INEC withdrew its recognition of Abure as the party's chairman, stating that his tenure is over [2][4][5].
INEC's decision means that they will no longer acknowledge Abure as the Labour Party chairman or accredit him to upload candidate particulars for upcoming elections [2][5]. However, earlier in the same month, a High Court in Nasarawa State had ordered INEC to recognize Abure's leadership and grant him access to submit candidates for bye and council elections [3]. This decision appears to be in conflict with the Federal High Court and INEC's more recent decisions.
Despite this, Abure remains publicly active in party matters, assuring fairness in primaries [1]. Oluchi Opara, the former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, has expressed support for INEC's affidavit, stating it removes any doubt over Abure's leadership claim.
Nenadi Usman, who is currently serving as the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, praised INEC for its clarity and institutional integrity. Opara accused Abure of clinging to power through "publicity stunts." According to Opara, Abure's tenure expired in June 2024, the Nnewi Convention was invalid, and the Supreme Court has spoken against Abure's claim.
Usman urged Labour Party members to move past the leadership crisis and respect the law. Opara also urged Nigerians to ignore any contrary propaganda about Abure's leadership. As of August 19, 2025, the current authoritative position is that Julius Abure is no longer recognized as the legitimate National Chairman of the Labour Party, based on the Federal High Court ruling and INEC's withdrawal of recognition [2][4][5].
- The Federal High Court in Abuja's dismissal of Julius Abure's case has led to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing its recognition of Abure as the Labour Party's chairman, effectively ending his tenure.
- INEC has declared that they will no longer acknowledge Abure as the Labour Party chairman or allow him to upload candidate particulars for upcoming elections, following their decision to withdraw recognition.
- Earlier in the month, a High Court in Nasarawa State had ordered INEC to recognize Abure's leadership and grant him access to submit candidates for bye and council elections, a decision that appears to be in conflict with the Federal High Court and INEC's more recent decisions.
- The current authoritative position, based on the Federal High Court ruling and INEC's withdrawal of recognition, is that Julius Abure is no longer recognized as the legitimate National Chairman of the Labour Party, as of August 19, 2025.
