The opposition Labour Party (LP) has said that the recent judgment of the FCT Division of the Federal High Court, which removed Julius Abure as its national chairman, will not derail its plans to put up a strong performance in the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Saturday by its national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said it remained confident that the lower court’s decision would be overturned on appeal.

LP reaffirmed its faith in the judiciary and urged members to remain calm, stressing that the leadership crisis would be resolved through due legal process.

“For us in the Labour Party, our faith is strong that the appellate court will do the right thing. Therefore, we advise our members to remain calm. We will continue with the struggle to free our party from godfatherism,” it stated.

The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on January 21, relied on a Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, to declare former Minister of Finance Nenadi Usman the legitimate leader of the party.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Usman-led caretaker committee as the only valid authority to represent LP, pending the conduct of a national convention.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Ms Usman against Mr Abure, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), INEC, and others.

The party, however, urged Nigerians to resist what it described as the strangulation and monetisation of democracy by some individuals.

It also warned that the country could be heading towards a “dangerous precipice” if such ambitions remain unchecked.

“Some persons who are applauding the impunity of some politicians should retrace their steps and do some introspection,” it said. “This was how, in the past, they applauded injustice in our democracy because they were beneficiaries. At the end of the day, when their enthroned leaders began to abuse power, they started complaining.”

The LP emphasised its ideological foundation, describing itself as a social democratic movement that rejects authoritarian control and the imposition of leadership.

“The Labour Party is a party based on social democracy, where no one man is permitted to appoint everybody. It is against the principles of the party for one individual to sit in one place and appoint the National Working Committee and state and ward executives. That is impunity of the highest order and negates the principles of the party,” it said.

Reacting to the appearance of certain names on the INEC portal, including those of Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Nenadi Usman, the party also dismissed their celebration as premature.

“We are very sure that it will be quashed on appeal. The celebration by Governor Alex Otti, Nenadi Usman, and their cohorts over the appearance of their names on the INEC portal will be short-lived. Their victory is pyrrhic, and there is nothing to celebrate,” it said.

According to the party, the appointment of the caretaker committee currently recognised by INEC did not follow due process as stipulated by the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

“Proper notice was not given in line with the party constitution and the Electoral Act,” LP added.

The LP, however, insisted that it remain united in purpose and committed to strengthening internal democracy as it prepares for future electoral contests.