The factional leadership of the Labour Party, headed by Acting Chairman Lamidi Apapa, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to lawyers representing the party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
Apapa made this announcement during a press briefing after being reinstated as the party’s acting chairman in Abuja on Friday.
He emphasized that he is now the only recognized leader of the Labour Party according to the court, warning that anyone else claiming to be the party’s chairman is in violation of the court ruling.
Expressing his satisfaction with the prompt and reasonable action of the judge, Apapa stated, “There is no doubt that I am now in charge. It has now been confirmed by the court that I have the right to be in charge until another order is taken place.”
He asserted his authority as the acting chairman and called on the lawyers representing the Labour Party to report to him within the next 48 hours, providing updates on the proceedings at the tribunal.
Apapa further emphasized that he would commence legal action regarding forgery and conspiracy allegations, aiming to determine whether any offenses were committed.
This recent development follows the suspension of Lamidi Apapa and five other members by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party in April. The suspensions were reportedly related to unspecified allegations of anti-party activities.
Alongside Apapa, those affected by the suspension include Alhaji Saleh Lawal (Deputy National Secretary), Rawland Daramola (National Financial Secretary), Prince Reuben Favour (National Vice-Chairman, South-South), Samuel Akingbade (National Legal Adviser), and Mohammed Akali (National Vice-Chairman, North-East). The party’s NEC also upheld the decision of the Akure convention, which expelled Comrade Arabambi Abayomi, the National Publicity Secretary of the party.
On April 6, 2023, Apapa and the aforementioned five members took charge of the party’s affairs following a ruling by the Federal High Court that restrained Julius Abure from acting as the party’s chairman.
The situation within the Labour Party remains tense as the factional leadership under Lamidi Apapa asserts its authority and challenges the legitimacy of other individuals claiming the position of chairman. With Apapa’s reinstatement upheld by the court, the power struggle within the party has intensified.
The ultimatum issued to the lawyers representing the party and its presidential candidate indicates Apapa’s intention to closely monitor the ongoing tribunal proceedings.