***Rejects APC-style Crisis
Former Minister of Finance and key Labour Party stakeholder, Nenadi Usman, has insisted that the Supreme Court cannot overturn its own final position, expressing confidence that the apex court will maintain its earlier stance on the leadership dispute within the Labour Party.
Usman made the remarks amid fresh controversy over alleged circulation of nomination forms by the camp of embattled former national chairman, Julius Abure, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She maintained that the party leadership that emerged from the Umuahia national convention remains the authentic structure recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following what she said was a court ruling declaring Abure’s tenure expired.
According to her, the convention produced new leadership in the presence of INEC officials, giving it full legitimacy within the party’s constitutional framework.
“It was a big surprise because if the court had said his tenure was over, we then went to Umuahia, had a national convention and new leaders were elected. INEC was there and recognised what we did,” she said.
Usman condemned the alleged continued distribution of nomination forms by Abure’s faction, describing it as illegal and misleading to unsuspecting aspirants.
She said the party had escalated complaints to security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), with INEC also formally notified.
“One man came here to tell me his wife is contesting the election, and when I looked at the form, it was not the form that we issued. They are deceiving people and it is not right at all,” she added.
Speaking on internal party reforms, Usman said the Labour Party would not replicate the internal disputes and controversies associated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the LP remains committed to due process and discipline.
“We are Labour Party, so we cannot copy anybody,” she said.
She also disclosed that preparations for the 2027 presidential election are ongoing, with three aspirants already having purchased nomination forms.
Usman confirmed that the party had resolved to zone its presidential ticket to the South, a decision she said was taken to reflect internal balance and structure within the party.
She added that while consensus arrangements remain under consideration, all aspirants will undergo strict screening ahead of the primaries.
Usman further assured that the Labour Party’s primaries would be transparent and credible, insisting that Nigerians—not party elites—will ultimately decide leadership through the ballot.