Owerri Appeal Court Bars Abure, Igara from Acting for Labour Party Without National Leadership Approval
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 7, 2026.
OWERRI, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri has ruled that only the nationally recognized leadership of the Labour Party, headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, has the legal authority to authorize court actions or legal representation on behalf of the party.
The landmark judgment, delivered on July 2, 2026, has further strengthened Senator Usman’s position as the lawful national leader of the Labour Party and reaffirmed the legal principle that only the party’s legitimate national leadership can institute, defend, or continue legal proceedings in its name.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Ken Asogwa.
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According to Asogwa, the ruling was delivered in Appeal No. CA/OW/104/2026: Labour Party & 14 Others v. Abia State Independent Electoral Commission & 4 Others. He explained that the appeal arose from a pre-election dispute after the party discovered that an appeal had been filed in its name without the knowledge, approval, or authorization of its recognized national leadership.
He stated that the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Mrs. Taiwo Ajayi, subsequently issued a formal letter dated June 22, 2026, instructing Mr. C. Okoroafor to represent the party and take all necessary legal steps, including the withdrawal of the unauthorized appeal.
During proceedings before the Court of Appeal, two different legal representatives appeared, each claiming to represent the Labour Party. The court requested documentary evidence establishing who had the legal authority to act on behalf of the party
While one counsel, Mrs. A. Oteh, relied on a letter purportedly issued by Mr. Ceekay Igara, who claimed to be the party’s South-East Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Okoroafor presented an authorization issued directly by the National Legal Adviser acting on behalf of the recognized national leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman.
After reviewing the documents, the Court accepted the authorization issued by the Office of the National Legal Adviser as the only valid legal mandate. Consequently, Mrs. Oteh withdrew her appearance and the processes she had filed on behalf of the party.
The Court thereafter struck out the appeal and ordered legal costs of ₦100,000 against the counsel who had acted based on the authorization purportedly issued by Mr. Igara.
Reacting to the judgment, the Labour Party described it as a significant legal victory and another judicial affirmation that only the legitimate national leadership has the constitutional and legal authority to appoint lawyers or commence, defend, or maintain legal proceedings in the party’s name .
“The judgment reinforces the long-established legal principle that only the lawful national leadership, acting through its duly authorized officers, possesses the legal capacity to engage counsel and institute or defend court actions on behalf of the Labour Party,” Asogwa stated.
He added that the decision further confirms Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s only lawful national leader and warned that the Labour Party would continue to challenge any attempt by unauthorized persons to act or speak on its behalf.
According to the statement, the party specifically maintained that individuals including Julius Abure and Mr. Ceekay Igara have no legal authority to represent the Labour Party or initiate, defend, or continue litigation in its name without the express approval of the recognized national leadership.
However, the Julius Abure faction rejected the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Speaking on Monday, the faction’s spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, said although the group respects the court’s decision and would comply with it, it disagrees with the judgment and has concluded arrangements to challenge it before the Supreme Court.
“We are not satisfied with the judgment. While we shall obey the order of the Court of Appeal, we will immediately proceed to the Supreme Court to seek a final determination of the matter,” Ifoh said.
The leadership crisis within the Labour Party has generated numerous legal battles over the past two years, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership. The faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman has secured a series of favourable court judgments, strengthening its claim to the party’s leadership while the Abure camp continues to pursue legal remedies.
Political analysts believe the latest Court of Appeal decision could have significant implications for the party’s internal administration, legal standing, and preparations for future elections. However, with the matter now expected to proceed to the Supreme Court, the final judicial resolution of the Labour Party leadership dispute is yet to be reached.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 7TH 2026)
