The Labour Party says a Court of Appeal judgment has confirmed that only the party’s recognised national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman has the authority to approve legal actions in the party’s name.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, in Abuja says the ruling strengthens the legal position that only its recognised national leadership can engage lawyers or file, defend and withdraw cases on behalf of the party.
The statement explains that the appeal arose from a pre-election dispute after a case was filed in the Labour Party’s name without the knowledge or approval of its recognised leadership.
It says the National Legal Adviser, Mrs. Taiwo Mary Ajayi, directed counsel, Mr. C. Okoroafor, to withdraw the appeal.
According to the statement, when the matter came before the Court of Appeal, two lawyers appeared, each claiming to represent the Labour Party.
It adds that the court then directed both counsel to present documents showing they had the authority to act for the party.
“While one lawyer relied on a letter issued by Mr. C. K. Igara, the other presented a letter of authority from the Office of the National Legal Adviser on behalf of the recognised national leadership” Asogwa states
The statement stresses that after reviewing the documents, the Court accepted the authority issued by the National Legal Adviser as the valid authorisation to represent the Labour Party.
“The other counsel subsequently withdrew her appearance and the counter-affidavit filed in the matter”
The statement says the Court thereafter dismissed the appeal and awarded ₦100,000 costs against the counsel who acted on the authority of Mr. Igara.
According to the statement, the judgment confirms that only its recognised national leadership can authorise legal proceedings in the party’s name.
It also maintains that Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership remains the valid leadership recognised by law.
It adds that it will continue to challenge any attempt by unauthorised persons, including Barrister Julius Abure and Mr. C. K. Igara, to represent the Labour Party or institute legal actions on its behalf without lawful authority.
The statement reaffirms commitment to the rule of law, internal party discipline and respect for judicial decisions.
