Abuja, Nigeria – The political landscape of the Labour Party took a surprising turn on April 9, 2025, as Lamidi Apapa, who has been absent from the scene for a year, resurfaced to claim leadership of the party following a Supreme Court ruling. This judgment overturned the previous Court of Appeal decision that recognized Julius Abure as the national chairman.
Apapa, the party’s most senior National Deputy Chairman, announced his assumption of leadership through a statement delivered by Alhayji Abayomi Arabambi, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary. He stated that all actions taken by Abure since April 4, 2023, are now voided by the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
“Following the court’s dismissal of Abure’s cross-appeal, I hereby take over the running of the party in an acting capacity,” Apapa declared. He also scheduled a National Working Committee meeting for April 14 to discuss new zoning arrangements for leadership positions within the party.
Supporters of both factions held celebrations post-announcement. Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were particularly vocal in their support, believing the court ruling solidified their position against Abure’s leadership.
Otti expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s verdict, stating, “This judgment clarifies who the legitimate leaders of our party are.” He highlighted their commitment to obeying the law and the democratic process. “We are law-abiding citizens,” he said, urging all members to accept the court’s ruling.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered to hear Otti detail the contents of the Certified True Copy of the judgment. He emphasized the importance of unity and respect for democratic principles moving forward.
Amidst the celebrations, Julius Abure’s camp rejected the legitimacy of Apapa’s claim. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary from Abure’s faction, stated, “They are just jubilating for nothing. The Supreme Court judgment is clear about the position of the party leadership.” He insisted that no vacancy exists and reiterated the validity of Abure’s leadership.
Additionally, tensions rose when Ifoh condemned the Nigerian Labour Congress’s (NLC) President Joe Ajaero for inciting action against Abure’s faction. Ajaero’s call for mobilization to support the caretaker committee was seen by Abure’s team as a threat. “We will resist any attempt to disrupt our leadership, and their actions are illegal,” Ifoh warned.
The ongoing dispute has led to a fractured party, with both factions laying claim to leadership roles. Apapa’s faction has firmly positioned itself following the court ruling, while Abure’s group remains adamant about their legitimacy.
As both sides prepare for potential confrontations, the future stability of the Labour Party is uncertain, and observers are keenly watching how this political drama unfolds, especially with the upcoming meeting scheduled for April 14.
The division in the Labour Party highlights deep-rooted issues within Nigerian political structures and raises questions about electoral leadership dynamics. With both factions adamant about their claims, it remains to be seen how the party will navigate this precarious situation.
