JUDICIARY SHOWS COURAGE AS COURT AFFIRMS NENADI USMAN AS LABOUR PARTY CHAIR — CNPP

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties has hailed a recent court judgment affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party, describing it as a victory for constitutionalism and the rule of law. In a statement issued by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP said the ruling orders the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the party’s legitimate authority pending a national convention.

The CNPP warmly welcomed the judgment, stating it is “firmly anchored on the binding decision of the Supreme Court.” The group praised the judiciary for its courage and integrity, noting that “in a political environment where undue influence, intimidation, and coercion are often deployed to bend institutions to partisan interests, this judgment stands out as a reassuring testament to judicial independence.” Ezema warned that “unless the judiciary continues to act with boldness and fearlessness—resisting political pressure and vested interests—Nigeria’s democracy will regrettably continue to suffer stagnation and retardation.”

Addressing broader democratic principles, the CNPP stressed that “democracy cannot deepen where court orders are treated with contempt or subjected to selective obedience.” It added that the resolved Labour Party crisis “must serve as a lesson to all political parties and actors that impunity is incompatible with democratic governance.” James Ezema further called on all political parties to “shun selfish interests and recommit themselves to politics guided strictly by rules, principles, and respect for party constitutions.”

On implementation, the CNPP urged INEC and relevant authorities to “give full, immediate, and unambiguous effect to the judgment of the court,” noting that the credibility of the democratic system depends on faithful and timely execution. Ezema congratulated Senator Nenadi Usman and the Caretaker Committee, urging them to discharge their mandate “with restraint, inclusiveness, and strict adherence to the party constitution.” Concluding, the CNPP reaffirmed that Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened through strong institutions and respect for the rule of law, with James Ezema describing the judgment as “a step in the right direction” that “must be defended by all democrats.”