The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Julius Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), overturning a previous ruling by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that prevented him and two others from holding national positions within the party.
In a verdict delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, the Appellate Court declared that the FCT High Court had exceeded its authority in the matter, thus invalidating its earlier decision.
Moreover, the Court of Appeal directed a payment of One million Naira to be made in favor of Abure and against Lamidi Apapa, the opposing party in the case.
Previously, Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court had issued an ex-parte order restraining Abure and the two other national officers from assuming leadership roles within the party, citing allegations of document forgery.
Nevertheless, the Appellate Court reversed this decision, finding merit in Abure’s appeal.
The legal feud between Abure and Apapa escalated following the 2023 presidential election, in which LP’s Peter Obi secured a third-place finish. Apapa contested Abure’s leadership, leading to ongoing legal battles.
On March 21, 2024, Abure was arrested in Benin City, Edo State. Video footage circulated online depicted him being forcefully handled by police officers, while LP supporters attempted to prevent his apprehension.
The police leveled charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses against him. However, following protests by LP members, Abure was granted bail the next day.