The leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has deepened with the emergence of a third faction as Lamidi Apapa declared himself national chairman on Wednesday, citing last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment that nullified Julius Abure’s leadership.
Apapa, who resurfaced after a year-long absence from political activities, claimed authority as the party’s most senior deputy national chairman following the apex court’s decision to set aside rulings recognizing Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC).
“The Supreme Court’s dismissal of Abure’s cross-appeal means all his actions since April 2023 are null and void,” Apapa stated through factional spokesman Abayomi Arabambi, announcing plans to convene the party’s 2022 NWC on April 14 to discuss leadership zoning arrangements.
The declaration came hours after Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi presented the judgment’s Certified True Copy at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, insisting it validated Nenadi Usman’s caretaker committee.
Obi-led supporters later marched to INEC headquarters to formalize the leadership transition, even as Abure’s camp dismissed both factions, maintaining his NWC remains legitimate.
With three groups now claiming control – Abure’s NWC, Usman’s caretaker committee, and Apapa’s faction – political analysts warn the divisions could weaken Nigeria’s third-largest party ahead of crucial elections.
