Labour Party looks forward to fielding candidate against Tinubu after today's court ruling

NIGERIA'S opposition parties have been offered a major lifeline in their quest to stand against President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year's elections after a favourable ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja today.

This morning, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in a unanimous judgement delivered by a three-member panel, declared that former finance minister Senator Nenadi Usman was the legitimate chairman of the Nigerian Labour Party. Ruling against the Julius Abure faction of the party, this judgement means that the Labour Party can now field a strong candidate against President Tinubu in next May's elections.

On January 21, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reaffirmed an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court that removed Mr Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) to recognise Senator Usman as the legitimate leader of the party. Dissatisfied with that decision, Mr Abure approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the judgment of the lower court.

Today, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the federal high court. It held that the Supreme Court had, on April 4 2025, conclusively settled the leadership dispute within the Labour Party when it nullified the convention that purportedly returned Mr Abure as national chairman.

Nigeria's opposition has been in crisis of late, as all the major opposition parties like the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been in turmoil. In August last year, the new opposition coalition the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was floated with a leadership that included several political heavyweights including ex-vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former senate leader David Mark and former ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi.

However, earlier this month, Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) removed Senator David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as the ADC chairman and secretary respectively after the ADC secured a court ruling that Nafiu Bala remained its chairman. According to the old ADC members, at no stage did they hand over the leadership of their party  to these new members.

In the PDP too, a faction led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike has been in control of the party. Being totally loyal to President Tinubu, this faction is unlikely to field a candidate in next year's elections, creating the prospect of a Nigerian president being elected unopposed.

With today's ruling, it is hoped that the Labour Party will rally and nominate a candidate who can emerge as a formidable opponent to President Tinubu in next year's elections. Reacting to the judgment, Senator Usman, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, commending the judiciary for its courage and steadfastness in upholding justice despite attempts by certain elements to undermine its integrity.

Senator Usman urged all stakeholders to remain focused on the party’s forthcoming congresses and national convention. She further appreciated members of the media for their professionalism and objective reporting and called on Nigerians to continue to place their trust in the Labour Party as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the 2023 elections, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi was the Labour Party candidate and may become the flagbearer next time around too. It is believed that he has already reached an agreement with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to serve as his running mate.