Power tussle rocks labour party as Apapa declares himself party national chairman

DDM News

A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in Nigeria’s Labour Party following a dramatic declaration by Lamidi Apapa in Abuja.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) Apapa, a former Deputy National Chairman (South), proclaimed himself the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party on Wednesday.

He cited a Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, as legal backing for his declaration of authority.

The ruling, according to Apapa, nullifies all actions taken by Julius Abure since April 4, 2023.

During a press conference, Apapa presented two legal references: Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024.

He claimed the apex court faulted lower courts for interfering in internal party leadership matters.

“The Supreme Court lambasted the two lower courts for exceeding their jurisdiction,” Apapa told reporters during the media briefing.

He insisted that matters concerning political party leadership are non-justiciable and lie outside the reach of judicial interpretation.

Apapa relied on Article 14(2)(a)(b) of the Labour Party Constitution to justify his assumption of leadership.

He explained that being the most senior Deputy National Chairman confers constitutional authority to act in the party’s leadership vacuum.

As part of his leadership structure, he named Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the Acting National Secretary of the party.

He stressed that both appointments are in line with the Labour Party’s internal guidelines and the recent court ruling.

The National Working Committee (NWC), as constituted in 2022, will reconvene on Monday, April 14, 2025.

Apapa said the NWC would deliberate on a new strategic direction for the Labour Party nationwide.

Key among the proposals is a zoning formula to move the National Chairmanship to the North.

Likewise, the Secretary position will be reserved for members from the Southern region of Nigeria.

He emphasized plans to revive the Board of Trustees (BoT), which he described as inactive and ineffective for too long.

“We are taking proactive steps to resuscitate the moribund Board of Trustees and make it functional again,” he declared.

According to him, internal democracy and broader participation must return to the party’s operations without external interference.

He noted that inclusive leadership is crucial to uniting and rebuilding the Labour Party from within.

Apapa announced preparations for fresh congresses at all levels across the country.

These congresses will take place at the ward, local government, state, and national levels in the coming weeks.

He said the objective is to restore grassroots involvement and renew democratic legitimacy within the party structures.

Only financial members will be allowed to participate, either by voting or contesting during the congresses.

The Labour Party rose to prominence during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections under the leadership of Peter Obi.

Obi’s presidential run energized young voters and propelled the party into national consciousness like never before.

The party secured legislative seats and produced Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, further cementing its political relevance.

However, post-election gains have been marred by intense leadership battles and internal divisions across multiple factions.

Julius Abure has led the party’s mainstream leadership since 2023, with support from Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.

Lamidi Apapa, however, emerged as a rival voice, challenging Abure’s legitimacy and authority over the party’s direction.

A controversial suspension and subsequent legal actions sparked wider factional tensions between opposing groups.

This culminated in court cases and public disputes over who controls the party’s hierarchy and assets.

Earlier today, a rival faction loyal to Abure and Obi convened a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The NEC reaffirmed Abure’s leadership, dismissing Apapa’s declaration as unlawful and politically motivated.

This further highlights the growing tension and uncertainty within the Labour Party’s national structure.

Political observers fear the escalating crisis could weaken the Labour Party ahead of upcoming elections.

While Apapa leans on judicial interpretation, his faction must now demonstrate grassroots and structural support.

The party’s unity and credibility may depend on swift reconciliation or authoritative intervention in the weeks ahead.

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