Appeal Court Upholds Abure’s Position as LP Chairman, Imposes Heavy Fine on Apapa
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Julius Abure as the Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), overturning a previous ruling by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that restrained him and two others from holding national positions within the party.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, the Appellate Court declared that the FCT High Court had exceeded its jurisdiction in the matter, thereby nullifying its earlier decision.
Additionally, the Court of Appeal ordered Lamidi Apapa, the respondent in the case, to pay a fine of One million Naira in favor of Abure.
Previously, Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court had granted an ex-parte order barring Abure and the two other national officers from assuming leadership roles within the party over allegations of document forgery.
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However, the Appellate Court overturned this decision, finding merit in Abure’s appeal.The legal feud between Abure and Apapa escalated following the 2023 presidential election, in which LP’s Peter Obi secured third place.
Apapa contested Abure’s leadership, leading to ongoing legal battles.On March 21, 2024, Abure was arrested in Benin City, Edo State, under controversial circumstances.
Videos circulating online depicted him being manhandled by police officers while LP supporters attempted to prevent his arrest.
The police cited charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses for his arrest. However, following protests by LP members, Abure was released on bail the next day.
