Factional Labour Party Chairman Abure Heads to Supreme Court, Unveils Free Nomination Policy Ahead of 2027 Elections
Factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has confirmed the filing of an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the recognition of Nenadi Usman as the party’s leader.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Abure announced a “free nomination form” policy for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite ongoing disputes over the party’s authentic leadership.
This move follows the April 21 Court of Appeal judgment affirming Usman’s chairmanship, which Abure rejected as “unacceptable.” He disclosed that the matter has now advanced to the apex court, with records being compiled for formal filing.
Abure emphasized that under his leadership, the Labour Party will fully participate in the 2027 polls. He revealed that nomination forms would be issued free of charge, accessible online and through party structures, with primaries scheduled for May 27 (governorship and state assembly) and May 29 (National Assembly). A presidential candidate, he added, would emerge through consensus on May 29 in Abuja.
The embattled chairman attributed the crisis to what he described as INEC’s “volte-face,” alleging that the commission’s refusal to recognise his leadership deepened internal divisions.
His announcement came amid fresh clashes involving Governor Alex Otti and the party’s national leadership over the legitimacy of nomination forms. Viral images of Abure presenting forms in Abia State further stoked controversy, prompting the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, to warn aspirants against obtaining forms from Abure, dismissing them as “worthless paper.”
