The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has hailed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which affirmed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the valid National Chairman of the Labour Party, describing the ruling as a victory for constitutionalism, internal party democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the CNPP said the court also ordered 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.
According to the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria, the judgment was firmly anchored on the binding decision of the Supreme Court and sent a clear message that individual ambition or factional interests cannot override party constitutions and democratic procedures.
Signed by the CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP commended the judiciary for what it described as courage and integrity in handling the Labour Party leadership dispute, noting that the ruling stood out in a challenging political environment where institutions are often subjected to pressure.
It warned that Nigeria’s democracy would remain fragile if court orders were ignored or selectively obeyed, stressing that democratic governance cannot thrive where party constitutions are trivialised or internal democracy sacrificed for personal control.
The group said the Labour Party crisis, now resolved by the courts, should serve as a lesson to all political actors that impunity is incompatible with democracy, and urged political parties and leaders nationwide to recommit themselves to politics guided by rules, principles and respect for internal party structures.
The CNPP also called on INEC and other relevant authorities to give full and immediate effect to the court judgment, stating that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral and democratic system depends on the faithful implementation of judicial decisions.
It congratulated Senator Nenadi Usman and members of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, urging them to act with restraint, inclusiveness and strict adherence to the party constitution as they work towards a credible and unifying national convention.