The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Wednesday welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party, describing the decision as a triumph for constitutionalism, internal party democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued to journalists, the CNPP said the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate authority of the Labour Party, pending the conduct of a national convention.
The statement, signed by the CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, said the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria noted that the judgment was firmly rooted in a binding decision of the Supreme Court.
It added that the ruling sent a clear message that personal ambition or factional interests cannot supersede party constitutions and democratic processes.
The group commended the judiciary for what it described as courage and integrity in resolving the Labour Party leadership dispute, particularly in a political climate where institutions are often subjected to intense pressure.
The CNPP warned that Nigeria’s democracy would remain fragile if court orders were ignored or selectively obeyed, stressing that democratic governance cannot flourish where party constitutions are undermined or internal democracy is sacrificed for personal control.
It said the Labour Party crisis, now settled by the courts, should serve as a lesson to political actors nationwide that impunity is incompatible with democracy, urging political parties and their leaders to recommit to rule-based politics and respect for internal party structures.
The group also called on INEC and other relevant authorities to give full and immediate effect to the judgment, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral and democratic system depends on strict compliance with judicial decisions.
While congratulating Senator Usman and members of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, the group urged them to exercise restraint, promote inclusiveness and adhere strictly to the party’s constitution as they work towards organising a credible and unifying national convention.