THIS DAWN — The Labour Party has announced that the High Court of Abia State sitting in Isiala Ngwa has issued an interim order restraining Barrister Julius Abure and his associates from proceeding with what it described as “illegal congresses.”
According to a press release signed by Ife Salako, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Party, the order was granted on November 26, 2025, in Suit No: HIN/47/2025, filed by Hon. (Sir) Emmanuel Nwaeze Otti.
The ruling bars Abure and his National Working Committee from conducting ward, local government, and state congresses that the Party insists are unlawful.
The Labour Party urged its members nationwide to disregard any congresses promoted by Abure.
it stressed that the exercises have already been declared null and void by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“As a law‑abiding political party, we enjoin all our members to respect and comply with the court’s directive,” the statement read.
Senator Nenadi Usman reclaims leadership
The statement also added that authentic congresses will be announced soon by the Party’s legitimate leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman.
The Party also called on the Inspector‑General of Police, listed as the 6th Defendant in the matter, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of anyone organising or participating in the purported congresses scheduled for December 2, 4, or 6, or on any other dates not authorised by the recognised leadership.
Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), named as the 7th Defendant, was advised to dissociate itself from what the Party described as “illegality” orchestrated by individuals bent on tarnishing the Commission’s reputation.
The Labour Party assured that INEC will be formally notified of its authentic timetable for congresses and convention in line with the Electoral Act and relevant laws.
The press release underscores ongoing internal disputes within the Labour Party, with Abure’s faction accused of attempting to hold parallel congresses despite judicial intervention.
Party officials reiterated their commitment to lawful processes and urged members to remain patient as preparations for legitimate congresses are finalised.
Timeline of Labour Party Leadership Disputes
- March 2023 – Post‑Election Tensions:
Following the 2023 general elections, internal disagreements intensified over party finances, candidate selections, and control of structures.
Julius Abure, then National Chairman, faced opposition from within the National Working Committee (NWC).
- April 2023 – Lamidi Apapa Emerges:
Amid disputes, Lamidi Apapa declared himself acting chairman after a court ruling temporarily restrained Abure.
This sparked violent clashes at LP offices and deepened factional divisions.
- March 27, 2024 – Nnewi Convention:
The party held a national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, which reaffirmed Julius Abure as chairman.
However, the exercise was rejected by Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti, and other leaders, who accused Abure of manipulating processes.
- July 2024 – Caretaker Committee Formed:
Dissatisfied leaders, including Obi and Otti, backed Senator Nenadi Usman to head a 29‑member caretaker committee tasked with conducting fresh congresses and a new convention.
- April 2025 – Supreme Court Ruling:
The apex court set aside an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that had recognised Abure as chairman, ruling that leadership disputes were internal party matters.
This emboldened rival factions, with Lamidi Apapa reasserting his claim to leadership.
- Late 2025 – Parallel Submissions to INEC:
Senator Nenadi Usman’s faction submitted a 34‑member interim leadership list to INEC, directly challenging Abure’s camp.
INEC was urged to recognise Usman’s list as the sole legitimate leadership.
- November 26, 2025 – Abia High Court Order:
The High Court sitting in Isiala Ngwa restrained Julius Abure and his NWC from conducting ward, local government, and state congresses.
The Labour Party, under Usman’s faction, declared Abure’s planned congresses null and void, urging members to await authentic congresses.
Conclusion
The Abia High Court order is the latest twist in a dispute stretching back to 2023. With Abure, Usman, and Apapa all claiming leadership at different times, the Labour Party remains fractured, and the struggle for control continues to play out in courts, conventions, and submissions to INEC.
