On Friday, the Supreme Court ousted Julius Abure from his position as National Chairman of the Labour Party. A five-justice panel delivered a unanimous ruling, overturning a prior decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that had affirmed Abure’s leadership.

The apex court determined that the Court of Appeal lacked the authority to recognize Abure as chairman, as the case revolved around the Labour Party’s internal leadership—a matter outside judicial oversight. The justices stressed that disputes over party leadership are internal affairs beyond the judiciary’s purview.

The Supreme Court allowed the appeal brought by Senator Esther Usman and another party member, deeming it valid. It further noted that, based on the evidence presented, Abure’s term as chairman had already lapsed. As a result, the court dismissed the cross-appeal lodged by Abure’s faction of the Labour Party.