The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s judgment recognizing Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).
In a unanimous decision, the apex court ruled that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to pronounce Abure as national chairman, as the issue of leadership is an internal affair of the party.
The court held that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership, which is not justiciable. This means that the courts lack the authority to intervene in internal party disputes. The Supreme Court’s decision effectively sets aside the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which had recognized Abure as the national chairman of the LP.
The appeal was filed by Senator Nenadi Usman and another individual, who challenged the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The Supreme Court found their appeal to be meritorious and allowed it. On the other hand, the court dismissed the cross-appeal filed by the Abure group of the Labour Party, citing it as unmeritorious.
In January, the Court of Appeal had reiterated that Abure remained the chairman of the LP. However, the Supreme Court’s decision now takes precedence, effectively nullifying Abure’s appointment. The implications of this decision are significant, as it may lead to a change in the leadership of the Labour Party.
The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasizes the importance of internal party disputes being resolved within the party, rather than through the courts. This decision may have far-reaching consequences for the Labour Party and its future direction.
