Umeh Shakes Up LP Leadership: Nenadi Usman Replaces Abure As Chairman

In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Umeh explained that the apex court’s decision to overturn the Appeal Court ruling that had recognized Abure as chairman was a victory for Nenadi Usman. He emphasized that prior to the court’s intervention, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already declared that Abure’s tenure, along with that of his executives, had expired.

Umeh further explained that INEC’s stance on Abure’s expired tenure prompted party stakeholders to form a Caretaker Committee under Senator Usman to manage the party’s affairs. “Before this matter reached court, INEC had already declared that Abure and his team were no longer recognized as Labour Party officials,” Umeh said.

The senator added that following the Appeal Court ruling, INEC had briefly recognized Abure as chairman based on the court’s orders. However, the Supreme Court’s decision to set aside the rulings of the lower courts effectively invalidated Abure’s recognition by INEC.

“By vacating the lower courts’ orders, the Supreme Court has reinstated the position where INEC no longer recognized Abure as the party’s chairman,” Umeh stated. “This ruling confirms that Abure’s tenure expired and the party has taken the necessary steps to address the leadership vacuum.”

Umeh concluded by referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling, which explicitly stated that the orders from the two lower courts, directing INEC to recognize Abure as chairman, were nullified. He pointed out that the ruling had cleared the way for Usman’s caretaker committee to lead the party, following Abure’s unsuccessful attempt to reverse the decision.