LP crisis: Senator Nenadi Usman accuses Abure of forum shopping

…says latest attempt smacks of desperation
By John Alechenu

ABUJA: The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party (LP) has accused the Julius Abure-led faction of the party of forum shopping.

She alleged that an interlocutory order purportedly obtained from a Nasarawa State High Court by Abure and his team to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload their candidates’ names for the upcoming FCT Council polls was an act of desperation.

This was contained in a statement signed by her Senior Special Adviser (Media), Ken Asogwa, in Abuja, on Friday.

It read, “The leadership of the Labour Party is appalled by reports circulating in certain sections of the media alleging that a Nasarawa State High Court granted an interlocutory order – purportedly at the instance of Barrister Julius Abure and his faction – directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload their candidates’ names for the forthcoming FCT Council elections.

“The timing of this so-called court order’s release to the public is as suspicious as it is mischievous, coming on the eve of nationwide bye-elections. Even more telling is the fact that the purported order – laughable as it is – specifically refers to elections slated for February next year.

“Given Abure’s notorious record in matters of forgery, this development, if true, would come as no surprise. Nigerians will recall his criminal manipulation during the 2023 Ebonyi State governorship election, an act for which the Attorney-General of the Federation has implicitly directed his prosecution by the police – a charge that still hangs over him like the proverbial sword of Damocles.

“Even if, in the unlikely event, this inconsequential order was genuinely obtained, Abure’s decision to engage in blatant forum shopping – running to a Nasarawa State High Court in a matter over which the Federal High Court has exclusive constitutional jurisdiction – underscores the depth of his legal and moral bankruptcy.

“Since INEC is a federal institution established by the Constitution, the High Court of Nasarawa State has no lawful standing in this matter. Such abuse of judicial process ought to attract a stern reprimand from the court against the forum shoppers.

“Meanwhile, Nigerians are not oblivious to the fact that the Supreme Court – the highest court in the land – on 4th April 2025, unequivocally removed Barrister Julius Abure from office in a landmark judgment.

“Yet, Abure and his accomplices have been shamelessly sustained and emboldened by the APC-led Federal Government, enabling them to persist in contempt of court and reckless abuse of judicial processes.

“Their unholy alliance serves one purpose alone: to undermine the Labour Party and erode our democratic institutions. In their desperation for transient political advantage, they are even willing to diminish the authority of the Supreme Court itself.”

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