Appeal Court Upholds Abure's Dismissal, Fines ₦10 Million

The Appeal Court in Abuja upheld the dismissal of Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, imposing a fine of ₦10 million for wasting judicial time. This ruling followed a January 21, 2026 judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, which reaffirmed the legitimacy of Usman as the party leader.

The Appeal Court's decision, delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi with concurrence from Justice B. Moham Eberechi and Justice Nyesom Wike, stated that the leadership crisis had already been resolved by a Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which nullified any convention that purportedly reinstated Abure.

The court criticized Abure for abusing the court process and engaging in forum shopping. The Appeal Court dismissed Abure's appeal, stating it lacked merit and constituted an abuse of court process.

In reaction, Usman described the ruling as a triumph for democracy and urged party members to focus on the upcoming national convention and the 2027 general elections.