Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the party’s leadership, distancing itself from comments made by Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, its 2023 vice-presidential candidate, in support of embattled former chairman Julius Abure.
In a statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Senator Nenadi Usman—the party’s Interim National Chairman—the party clarified that its leadership question had been conclusively resolved by Nigeria’s highest court.
The clarification follows Dr Baba-Ahmed’s participation in a meeting reportedly convened by Abure, where he allegedly referred to the suspended chairman as the party’s legitimate leader.
“As a Nigerian citizen, Dr Baba-Ahmed is entitled to his personal opinions and freedom of association,” the statement read. “However, the Labour Party must emphasise that the Supreme Court ruling delivered on 4 April 2025 unequivocally dismissed Abure’s leadership claim.”
Citing page 47 of the judgement, Asogwa noted the Supreme Court set aside the decisions of both lower courts that previously recognised Abure, striking out the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024 for lack of jurisdiction. The ruling, she said, effectively nullifies Abure’s claim to leadership and affirms Senator Usman as the rightful head of the party.
While acknowledging Baba-Ahmed’s efforts at reconciliation within the party, the statement stressed that such actions must be grounded in truth, legal precedent, and institutional respect.
“The Labour Party respects internal dialogue and unity but insists that obedience to the finality of Supreme Court judgements is mandatory, not optional,” she added.
In a separate response, the Abure faction argued that the court ruling confirmed that Nigerian courts have no jurisdiction over internal party affairs. “Usman and her allies are selectively interpreting the judgment,” said a spokesperson for the faction. “The ruling did not validate any claim to leadership; rather, it underlined that courts must not intervene in party matters.”
Despite the internal disagreement, both sides indicated readiness to move forward, with preparations underway for the Labour Party’s congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The focus now is on national renewal and the party’s role as a credible opposition,” said Senator Usman, calling for peace and cohesion within the ranks.
