‎The Labour Party (LP) has welcomed a Court of Appeal judgement affirming that only its recognised national leadership can authorise litigation in the party’s name. The party disclosed this in a statement issued and signed by the party’s spokesman, Ken Asogwa, in Abuja.

‎Asogwa said the judgement, delivered on Thursday in Owerri, reinforced the legal position on authority to institute or maintain court actions.

‎He said the appeal arose from a pre-election dispute after an appeal was allegedly filed without the approval of Nenadi Usman’s recognised leadership.

‎According to him, the national legal adviser, Taiwo Ajayi, instructed counsel C. Okoroafor to withdraw the appeal on behalf of the party.

‎He said two lawyers appeared before the appellate court, each claiming to represent the Labour Party in the matter.

‎Asogwa added that the court directed both counsel to produce documentary evidence establishing their authority to act for their respective parties.

‎According to him, one counsel relied on a letter from C.K. Igara, while the other presented authority from the national legal adviser.

‎Asogwa said the court accepted the authority issued by the national legal adviser as the valid authorisation to represent the Labour Party.

‎He also said that the opposing counsel subsequently withdrew her appearance and counter-affidavit, after which the court dismissed the appeal and awarded N100,000 costs.

‎Asogwa said the judgement reaffirmed Mr Usman’s leadership as the authentic national leadership authorised to act for the party in legal matters.

‎He added that the party would continue to challenge attempts by unauthorised persons to institute or defend legal proceedings in the party’s name.

‎He, however, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, the constitutional order, internal discipline, judicial pronouncements, and the protection of its institutional integrity.

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