The Labour Party has welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, describing it as a judicial affirmation that only the party’s recognised national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman has the authority to authorise litigation in the name of the party. The party said the judgment reinforces the legal position on who can validly engage counsel and institute or maintain court proceedings on its behalf.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party explained that the judgment was delivered on July 2, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/OW/104/2026 involving the Labour Party and others against the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission and four other respondents. According to the statement, the appeal stemmed from a pre-election matter after the party discovered that an appeal had been filed in its name without the knowledge or approval of its recognised national leadership.
The party said its National Legal Adviser, Mrs. Taiwo Mary Ajayi, immediately instructed legal practitioner Mr. C. Okoroafor through a formal letter dated June 22, 2026, to represent the party and take the necessary legal steps to withdraw the appeal. It added that when the matter came up before the Court of Appeal, two separate lawyers appeared, each claiming to represent the Labour Party.
According to the statement, the appellate court directed both counsel to produce documentary evidence showing their authority to act for the party. While Mrs. A. Oteh relied on a letter issued by Mr. C. K. Igara, who identified himself as the South-East Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Okoroafor presented a letter of authority issued by the Office of the National Legal Adviser on behalf of the party’s recognised national leadership.
The Labour Party stated that after reviewing the documents, the Court accepted the authority issued through the National Legal Adviser’s office as the valid authorisation for representation.
Consequently, Mrs. Oteh withdrew both her appearance for the party and the counter-affidavit earlier filed in opposition to the application seeking the withdrawal of the appeal. The court subsequently dismissed the appeal and awarded costs of ₦100,000 against counsel who acted on the authority of Mr. Igara.
The party maintained that the ruling further strengthens the legal principle that only its duly recognised national leadership can authorise legal representation or commence, defend or sustain litigation in the name of the Labour Party. It added that the judgment also reaffirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as the authentic and valid leader of the party.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the Labour Party said it would continue to challenge attempts by unauthorised persons, including Barr. Julius Abure and Mr. C. K. Igara, to present themselves as representatives of the party or initiate legal proceedings in its name without lawful authority. The party also pledged to uphold constitutional order, internal discipline, respect for judicial pronouncements and the protection of its institutional integrity.
