Why Court Ordered INEC to Recognise Nenadi Usman-Led Labour Party Despite Objections

A Federal High Court has ruled on the Labour Party leadership crisis, ordering INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman in line with a Supreme Court judgment. Read full details on what the ruling means for the party.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has delivered a decisive ruling that may finally put to rest the long-running leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Senator Esther Nenadi Usman-led leadership of the party in line with an existing Supreme Court judgment.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, by Hon. Justice Lifu of Court 9, Federal High Court (FHC), followed months of legal battles over the authentic leadership structure of the Labour Party, a crisis that has continued to generate political tension nationwide.

The case, SENATOR ESTHER NENADI USMAN v. INEC, came up for judgment after all parties had concluded arguments on the matter.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu ruled unequivocally that the Supreme Court had already settled the issue of leadership of the Labour Party, leaving no room for further legal confusion or administrative delays.

The court held that the objections raised by the defendants including INEC and other interested parties could not succeed, noting that the matter had been conclusively determined at the apex court.

According to the judge, the leadership issue raised by the plaintiff falls strictly within the internal affairs of the Labour Party, and as such, no court or external body has the authority to interfere, except to enforce existing judgments.

In a major directive, the court urged INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the only valid representative of the Labour Party, and to accept all processes emanating from her leadership pending the party’s congresses.

This order effectively compels the electoral body to treat all submissions, correspondences, and party activities conducted under Nenadi Usman’s leadership as lawful and binding.

The court also ruled that the issue of locus standi does not arise, dismissing all procedural objections raised by the defendants.

Justice Lifu ruled that:

-All questions raised by the plaintiff were answered in the affirmative.

-The leadership issue is an internal party matter beyond judicial interference.

-INEC must recognise the plaintiff-led leadership in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

-No order was made as to cost, effectively ending the case without financial penalties.

At the hearing, the plaintiff was represented by Innocent L. Adoo, Esq., alongside F.O. Akoh, Esq. and O.M. Offiah, Esq.

INEC was represented by Adamu Bello, Esq., holding brief for O.A. Adeyemi, Esq., while O.V. Akowe, Esq. appeared for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which sought to be joined in the matter, was represented by Marshal Abubakar, Esq., with Tamuno Tonye Ekundayo, Esq.

Political analysts say the judgment significantly reshapes the internal power structure of the Labour Party, especially as the party prepares for future elections, realignments, and congresses.

The ruling also strengthens Nenadi Usman’s legal standing to coordinate party activities nationwide, sign documents, and represent the party before INEC without further dispute.

For many party members and observers, the judgment signals a turning point that could restore stability to the Labour Party after months of internal conflict.