Appeal Court Confirms Usman as Labour Party Leader

The Appeal Court has affirmed Usman as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party, following a unanimous decision by a three-member panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi. The court upheld an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which recognized Usman as the party's legitimate leader.

The court noted that the Supreme Court had already settled the leadership dispute within the Labour Party when it nullified the convention that produced Julius Abur as national chairman. The court also stated that the Federal High Court acted within its powers under Section 251 of the Constitution, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Usman.

The Appeal Court criticized Abur for abusing judicial processes and accused him of forum shopping, as the matter had already been decided by the Supreme Court. Consequently, the court dismissed Abur's appeal and awarded costs of N10 million against him for wasting judicial time.

Usman described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, while Abur rejected the court's decision and indicated plans to challenge it in the Supreme Court.