In a striking development within the Labour Party (LP), Lamidi Apapa has proclaimed himself the head of the party after a Supreme Court ruling that removed Julius Abure from his position as National Chairman.
In a recent decision, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court reversed the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had previously affirmed Abure as the national chairman of the party.
Referencing the highest court’s ruling, Apapa conducted a press conference on Wednesday where he declared his assumption of the party’s leadership role. He contended that the court’s verdict invalidates all actions and resolutions made by Abure since April 2023.
In a statement jointly endorsed by prominent party figures — Deputy National Chairman (NLC), Mr. Ladi Iliya; Deputy National Chairman (TUC), Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; National Secretary, Alh. Umar Farouq Ibrahim; National Legal Adviser, Barr. Oyelekan Akingbade; National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi; and National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Opara — Apapa affirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as established in 2022 will assemble on Monday, April 14, 2025.
The statement reads: “Following the dismissal of the cross-appeal filed by the ousted former National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, it follows that all actions and decisions taken by him since April 4, 2023, are null and void.
“Based on the Supreme Court’s decision setting aside all judgments recognizing Abure’s leadership, I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, being the most senior deputy national officer, and in accordance with Article 14 2(a)(b) of our party constitution, hereby assume the running of the affairs of our great party in an acting capacity, effective today, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, alongside Alh. Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
