Labour Party reaffirms Supreme Court ruling, dismisses leadership dispute
The Labour Party has reaffirmed that its leadership is no longer a subject of contention, citing the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, ruling as final and binding. This response comes after recent remarks by the party’s former vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, which appeared to challenge the court’s decision.
Baba-Ahmed had reportedly participated in a meeting convened by suspended former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and referred to him as the party’s substantive leader. He also repeated this stance during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.
In a swift reaction, the Labour Party stated that while Baba-Ahmed is entitled to his opinion, the leadership question has already been conclusively resolved by the country’s highest court. The party reiterated that the Supreme Court ruling stands above personal interpretations.
Quoting from the judgement, the party emphasized: “The decisions of both trial court and the court below recognizing Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman… are hereby set aside… Appeal Allowed.” According to the party, this decision invalidated Abure’s leadership claim.
The Labour Party further clarified that the court’s ruling affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the legitimate National Chairman. It insisted that adherence to the Supreme Court’s decision is mandatory and not subject to individual preference.
“The acceptance of and adherence to the finality of the judgements of the Supreme Court has never been, and will never be, a matter of choice but compulsion,” the party said in a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to Senator Usman.
While acknowledging Baba-Ahmed’s call for reconciliation within the party, the leadership noted that any such move must be anchored on respect for judicial authority and the rule of law.
As the party prepares for its ward, local government, and state congresses ahead of the national convention, Senator Usman has urged members to remain calm, focused, and united despite internal disagreements.
