“I hereby take over the running of the affairs of our great party with effect from today” – Lamidi Apapa says as he takes over LP after Supreme Court judgement

The leadership crisis within the Labour Party has taken a decisive turn as Lamidi Apapa declared himself the new head of the party following a Supreme Court judgement that effectively removed Julius Abure from the position of National Chairman.

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court recently overturned a decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had previously recognised Abure as the party’s chairman. Citing this ruling, Apapa announced during a press conference on Wednesday that he was assuming control of the party in line with the constitution and hierarchy of the Labour Party.

Apapa stated that the Supreme Court’s judgement nullified all actions and decisions taken by Abure since April 2023. He made the declaration in a statement co-signed by key members of the party, including Deputy National Chairman (NLC) Ladi Iliya, Deputy National Chairman (TUC) Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim, National Legal Adviser Barrister Oyelekan Akingbade, National Publicity Secretary Dr Abayomi Arabambi, and National Treasurer Mrs Oluchi Opara.

The statement read that the dismissal of the cross-appeal filed by Abure confirmed his removal and rendered all his decisions over the past year invalid. Apapa, referring to himself as the most senior deputy national officer, invoked Article 14 2(a)(b) of the Labour Party constitution to justify his takeover, naming Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary in the interim.

Apapa further announced that the party’s National Working Committee, as constituted in 2022, will convene on Monday, April 14, 2025, to unveil its plans, including the zoning of the National Chairman position to the North and the National Secretary role to the South. He also pledged to revive the Labour Party’s dormant Board of Trustees and ensure it becomes an active part of the party’s leadership structure.