Labour Party Wins Court Backing as the Appeal Court affirms recognised leadership authority under Senator Nenadi Usman in legal proceedings
The Labour Party (LP) has welcomed a decision by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, which it says reinforces the authority of its recognised national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman to manage legal affairs and represent the party in court proceedings.
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The ruling, delivered on July 2, 2026, followed Appeal No. CA/OW/104/2026: Labour Party & 14 Others v. Abia State Independent Electoral Commission & 4 Others, a pre-election dispute connected to earlier proceedings at the Federal High Court.
In a statement issued on Monday, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa said the appeal was filed in the party’s name without the knowledge, consent or approval of the recognised national leadership.
The party said the dispute arose after questions were raised over who had the authority to represent the Labour Party during the appeal process.
According to the statement, the National Legal Adviser, Mrs Taiwo Mary Ajayi, instructed legal representative Mr C. Okoroafor through a formal letter dated June 22, 2026, to act for the party and take steps to withdraw the matter.
During the court proceedings, two separate lawyers appeared claiming to represent the Labour Party, prompting the appellate court to request evidence showing who had received proper authorisation from the party.
While Mrs A. Oteh, who initiated the appeal, relied on a letter allegedly issued by Mr C. K. Igara, identified as the party’s South-East Vice Chairman, Okoroafor presented authorisation from the Office of the National Legal Adviser acting on behalf of the recognised national leadership.
After examining the documents, the court accepted the authority provided through the National Legal Adviser’s office as the valid representation of the Labour Party.
Following the development, Oteh withdrew her appearance on behalf of the party and also withdrew a counter-affidavit opposing the application to discontinue the appeal.
The court subsequently dismissed the appeal and awarded N100,000 in costs against the counsel who acted under the disputed authority.
The Labour Party described the decision as a significant legal affirmation that only properly recognised party leadership, through authorised representatives, can appoint lawyers, commence legal actions or defend proceedings in the party’s name.
The party said the ruling further strengthens Senator Nenadi Usman’s position as the legitimate leader of the Labour Party while promising to continue challenging what it described as attempts by unauthorised individuals to act on behalf of the organisation.
The development adds to the series of internal leadership disputes that have affected the Labour Party since its strong performance in the 2023 presidential election, where it emerged as a major opposition platform under former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
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The party said it remains committed to democratic values, internal discipline, respect for judicial decisions and protecting its institutional identity as preparations continue ahead of future elections.
