The Labour Party has hailed a ruling by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, as a major legal victory, saying it reaffirms Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership as the party’s legitimate national authority empowered to institute and manage legal proceedings on its behalf.
The judgment, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/OW/104/2026: Labour Party & 14 Others v. Abia State Independent Electoral Commission & 4 Others, arose from a pre-election dispute that originated at the Federal High Court.
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the Labour Party disclosed that the appeal had been filed in its name without the knowledge, consent, or authorization of its recognized national leadership.
According to the statement, upon discovering the appeal, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Mrs. Taiwo Mary Ajayi, directed counsel, Mr. C. Okoroafor, through a letter dated June 22, 2026, to formally represent the party and take the necessary legal steps to withdraw the appeal.
During proceedings, two separate legal representatives appeared before the Court of Appeal claiming to represent the Labour Party. The court consequently demanded documentary proof establishing who had the lawful authority to act on the party’s behalf.
While Mrs. A. Oteh, who initiated the appeal, relied on a letter purportedly issued by Mr. C. K. Igara, who claimed to be the party’s South-East Vice Chairman, Mr. Okoroafor presented an authorization issued by the Office of the National Legal Adviser, acting on behalf of the party’s recognized national leadership.
After reviewing the documents, the appellate court upheld the authority granted through the National Legal Adviser’s office as the valid and lawful representation of the Labour Party.
Following the court’s position, Mrs. Oteh withdrew her appearance for the party as well as the counter-affidavit previously filed against the application seeking the withdrawal of the appeal. The court subsequently struck out the appeal and awarded costs of N100,000 against the counsel who acted under the purported authority of Mr. Igara.
Reacting to the judgment, the Labour Party described the ruling as a reaffirmation of the legal principle that only its officially recognized national leadership has the authority to appoint legal counsel and initiate, defend, or sustain legal actions in the party’s name.
The party said the decision further strengthens Senator Nenadi Usman’s position as the legitimate and legally recognized leader of the Labour Party.
It also vowed to continue challenging what it described as attempts by unauthorized individuals, including Barrister Julius Abure and Mr. C. K. Igara, to represent the party or institute legal proceedings in its name without lawful authorization.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the Labour Party pledged to uphold the rule of law, constitutional order, internal party discipline, respect for judicial decisions, and the protection of the party’s institutional integrity.
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