Julius Abure’s position as the Labour Party’s (LP) chairman has been confirmed by the Abuja Court of Appeal.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court’s ruling from the previous year, which barred Abure and two other individuals from posing as national officers of the party, was also overturned by the Appellate Court.
The Appellate Court ruled in the ruling delivered by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka JCA that the high court erred in assuming jurisdiction over the case.
A cost of one million naira was also granted by the Appellate Court to Abure and against Lamidi Apapa, the respondent.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court’s Justice Hamza Muazu issued an ex-parte order last year directing Abure and two other national officers to cease representing themselves as party leaders after they were accused of fabricating national documents. However, the Appellate Court overturned the decision.
Abure’s appeal was granted by the Appellate Court after it was determined to have merit.
After Peter Obi of the LP finished third in the 2023 presidential election, Abure has been embroiled in a protracted legal battle with Apapa, which claimed the party’s presidency.
Viral videos of Abure being physically restrained by police on February 21 in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, surfaced as LP supporters battled to stop his detention.
According to the police, Abure was detained for attempted murder, unlawful gun possession, and other offenses. After LP members protested, the LP chairman was later released on bail the next day.