Court affirms Usman's Labour Party leadership, rejects Abure faction's claims

A significant legal victory for Senator Nenadi Usman's faction of the Labour Party has been secured, with the Court of Appeal in Owerri affirming her leadership and sole authority to authorize litigation on behalf of the party. The ruling reinforces the principle that only the recognized national leadership can initiate or maintain court proceedings.

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The party considers this decision significant, as it once again reinforces the established legal principle that only the duly recognised national leadership, acting through its authorised officers, possesses the legal competence to engage counsel and to commence, defend or sustain legal proceedings in the name of the Labour Party.

The case originated from a pre-election dispute where an appeal was filed without the knowledge or consent of the party's established leadership. The Labour Party's National Legal Adviser subsequently instructed counsel to withdraw the unauthorized appeal.

During the court proceedings, two lawyers appeared for the Labour Party, prompting the appellate court to demand proof of their authorization. The court accepted the authority presented by counsel acting on behalf of the National Legal Adviser, leading to the dismissal of the appeal filed by the opposing faction and the awarding of costs against their legal representatives.

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Also, the judgment in effect reaffirmed the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman as the only authentic and valid leadership of the Party.

The party views this decision as a crucial reinforcement of established legal principles, underscoring that only duly recognized national leadership, acting through authorized officers, possesses the legal standing to engage counsel and initiate legal actions. The Labour Party has vowed to continue challenging any attempts by unauthorized individuals, including Julius Abure and Mr. Ceekay Igara, to represent the party or initiate legal proceedings without lawful authority.

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The Labour Party reiterates that it will continue to challenge every attempt by unauthorised persons, including Julius Abure and Mr Ceekay Igara, to hold themselves out as representatives of the Labour Party or to initiate, defend or maintain legal proceedings in its name without lawful authority.