Labour Party has welcomed the Court of Appeal ruling affirming that only its recognised national leadership under Sen. Nenadi Usman can authorise litigation on behalf of the party, reinforcing its legal authority and institutional integrity.
The Labour Party has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming that only its recognised national leadership has the authority to institute or authorise legal proceedings on behalf of the party.
The party made its position known in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ken Asogwa.
According to Asogwa, the judgment, delivered on July 2, 2026, in Owerri, reaffirmed the legal principle that only the party’s duly recognised leadership can authorise litigation in its name.
He explained that the appeal arose from a pre-election dispute after a court action was allegedly filed without the approval of the leadership led by Senator Nenadi Usman.
Asogwa said the party’s National Legal Adviser, Mr Taiwo Ajayi, subsequently instructed counsel, C. Okoroafor, to withdraw the appeal on behalf of the Labour Party.
He noted that during the proceedings, two lawyers appeared before the Court of Appeal, with each claiming to represent the party.
According to him, the court directed both counsel to present documentary evidence establishing their authority to act for the Labour Party.
Asogwa said one of the lawyers relied on a letter issued by C.K. Igara, while the other presented authorisation from the party’s National Legal Adviser.
He stated that the court recognised the authority issued through the National Legal Adviser as the valid authorisation for legal representation of the Labour Party.
Following the court’s position, Asogwa said the opposing counsel withdrew her appearance and counter-affidavit, after which the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and awarded N100,000 in costs.
The party maintained that the judgment further affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership as the authentic national leadership authorised to act on behalf of the Labour Party in legal matters.
Asogwa added that the party would continue to challenge any attempt by unauthorised individuals to institute or defend court actions in its name.
He reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order, internal discipline, respect for judicial pronouncements and the protection of the party’s institutional integrity.
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