Apapa Splits from LP, Proclaims Self Chair in International Edition (English)

The power struggle between the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure and the Nenadi Usman Caretaker Committee, which has backing from Governor Alex Otti and LP’s 2023 presidential hopeful Peter Obi, escalated dramatically when faction head Lamidi Apapa returned.

Last week, Apapa, who had been absent from politics for the past twelve months, revealed on Wednesday that he has assumed control of the Labour Party after obtaining the Certified True Copy of the previous Friday’s Supreme Court ruling.

In its latest ruling, a bench of five justices from the Supreme Court overturned the verdict of the Appeals Court in Abuja, which had acknowledged Abure as the party’s national chairman.

On Wednesday, Apapa asserted that the supreme court decision places him in a favorable position to succeed Abure as the most senior National Deputy Chairman of the party.

He stated this in a communiqué issued by the faction’s purported National Publicity Secretary, Dr Abayomi Arabambi.

The statement revealed that Apapa mentioned his National Working Committee will convene officially next Monday (April 14, 2025), starting from 2022, to talk about the plans for zoning.

The statement indicated, "After dismissing the cross-appeal submitted by the deposed ex-National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, which was ruled upon by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, this implies that every action and decision made by Julius Abure from April 4, 2023 onwards has been rendered invalid."

In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning all decisions that acknowledged Julius Abure as the National Chairman, I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, who am the most senior Deputy National, and adhering to our party’s constitution under Articles 14(2)(a) and (b), will assume responsibility for managing the operations of our esteemed party starting today, in an interim role. Additionally, Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim has been appointed as the National Secretary.

My leadership invites all members of the Labour Party to take notice that the National Working Committee of our party, as of 2022, has scheduled a meeting for the coming Monday, April 14, 2025. During this gathering, we will unveil our strategies, including designating the role of National Chairman to the Northern region and the position of National Secretary to the Southern area.

Otti, Obi visit INEC

On Wednesday, supporters of Obi and Otti were filled with joy when the latter revealed that they had obtained the official Certified True Copy of the previous Friday’s Supreme Court ruling regarding the party’s leadership issue.

During the presentation of the 48-page CTC at the Labour Party Stakeholders Engagement in Abuja, Otti emphasized that the document aimed to bring an end to the misinterpretations surrounding the judgment.

He stated, "It’s important for me to mention that we fully support the Supreme Court ruling from last Friday, which only reached us a short time ago as a Certified True Copy. This extensive 48-page document clearly indicated that those present here today form the official leadership of our party. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that we adhere strictly to the law."

On September 4, 2024, in Umuahia, we all gathered and collectively chose a 29-member transitional committee. Soon afterward, some individuals from another faction took legal action and obtained a ruling that declared them as the rightful leaders of the party.

If we weren’t committed to following the law, we might have begun demanding action from the office. However, everyone agreed that because there was a court ruling, we should adhere to due process, which concluded last Friday. We thought that anyone concerned about sustaining our democracy and advancing this nation would embrace that decision. Therefore, even if you disagree with the verdict, you are obligated to comply with it.

Present at the event were theLP’s presidential nominee for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi; the senator from Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Victor Umeh; the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Bureau, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku; and the National Secretary of the Transition Committee, Senator Darlington Nwokocha.

Others encompass ex-LP leader Kenneth Okonkwo, lawmakers from the National Assembly, representatives from the Abia State Assembly, and leaders of the Obedient Movement Worldwide, along with several others.

As Otti recited sections of the document, the crowd erupted once again into thunderous applause.

The identical matter presented for adjudication is decided in favor of the appellants herein. The appellants include esteemed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha. To summarize, neither the lower court nor the higher tribunal has jurisdiction over the first respondent, Julius Abure.

"As a result of the aforementioned points, the judgments of both the lower court and the higher court acknowledging Julius Abure as the national chairman of the party are overturned and removed due to lack of jurisdiction. Similarly, the first respondent’s cross-appeal, which stems from the same ruling by the lower courts, is also dismissed," he declared.

After completing the CTC, the governor remembered attempting to persuade Abure to resign from his post as national chairman and instead take up the position of chairman for the LP Board of Trustees.

However, Abure supposedly rejected the offer, stating that he desired nothing.

“I offered Abure some counsel, suggesting that if I were in his position, I would not wish to guide those who do not desire my leadership. Thus, we continue to extend an olive branch to both him and his previous National Working Committee. It’s important for leaders in every party to be gracious enough to step down when their term ends.”

Before concluding, I would like to urge political parties and their members to make sure they rely on their constitutions, regulations, and rules when selecting their officials and nominees.

"By doing this, the constant internal disputes that inevitably end up in court can be minimized. Every party’s leadership ought to be modest enough to step down when their term ends," he stated.

Obi expressed gratitude to his supporters and Nigerians for their patience and steadfast backing.

The ex-governor of Anambra stated that they would head directly to the INEC headquarters to inform them regarding the existence of the CTC and request the replacement of Abure’s NWC.

He stated, "As leaders and elected officials of this esteemed party, we will depart for INEC to submit this document (CTC) with the aim of initiating the process."

We will proceed there now and present these court documents. Here lies our solution. Can we therefore initiate the reconstruction process with your assistance?

Shortly after departing from Transcorp Hotel, where the NEC meeting was held, Otti headed a senior delegation to the INEC headquarters in Abuja to address recent events within the organization.

The governor additionally handed over the certified true copy of the Supreme Court ruling to INEC’s interim Chairperson, Sam Olumekun, along with several national commissioners.

They concentrated their talks on bolstering cooperation between the LP and INEC, along with upholding democratic values.

Olumekun highlighted the commission's dedication to upholding impartiality, openness, and legal standards as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Abure kicks

In response, Abure’s camp rejected the legitimacy claimed by the caretaker committee, stating that their supporters were 'celebrating prematurely.'

Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, revealed this information during a telephone conversation with The PUNCH.

Upon being reached for comment, an LP spokesperson ridiculed the assembly, stating that there was no section within the CTC where the court specified that Abure had to step down.

"They are simply rejoicing without reason. The Supreme Court ruling clearly outlines the stance of the party leadership," he stated.

In an additional statement provided to reporters in Abuja, Ifoh cautioned Usman and her numerous followers to step aside and thoroughly review the document.

He stated, "As previously committed, we alerted everyone that Senator Nenadi Usman and her team have been engaged in misguiding Nigerians through their incorrect understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling. (A copy of the CTC is attached.) The judgement does not indicate that the administration led by Abure has ended, nor does it instruct Nenadi Usman and her National Caretaker Committee to assume control of the party leadership."

The Supreme Court firmly declared that matters concerning the political party are considered internal affairs of the organization, emphasizing the importance of respecting party supremacy. We must distinctly clarify that there is currently no void in the leadership of the Labour Party. The highest governing body of the party—the national convention—held elections in March 2024 as per the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, electing new leaders whose term remains valid.

Following this, any gathering organized without adhering to the party’s constitution is considered unlawful and its outcomes are invalid. Hence, we urgently caution everyone participating in the unauthorized meeting in Abuja to cease promoting division within the party and instead uphold the party’s constitution. We assure you that we will definitely enforce the provisions for disciplinary measures outlined in the party rules.

Ifoh similarly characterized the warning from the Nigeria Labour Congress about potentially storming its offices across the nation as an implicit form of coercion aimed at portraying the Julius Abure-led administration as the antagonist in front of the Independent National Electoral Commission and various law enforcement bodies within the country.

In response to Tuesday's instruction from NLC President Joe Ajaero to start preparing union members for the takeover of the 36 offices and the national secretariat of the Labour Party, he took action accordingly.

Ajaero stated that they could not keep standing idly by as the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure defied the Supreme Court's ruling.

However, Ifoh cautioned that thuggery and misconduct, akin to what the NLC leader apparently displayed, ought not to be considered hallmarks of an effective trade unionist.

He stated, "Under normal circumstances, we might have dismissed that threat, but there is an urgent need to reassure our numerous members of our dedication to maintain our principles and stand firm against all types of misconduct and bullying from individuals who believe they are beyond the reach of the law."

We view NLC's recent threat as outright extortion aimed at compelling INEC and security agencies to act improperly.

Ifoh remembered that this incident echoed the events of March 21, 2024, when disgruntled union members stormed the LP headquarters and various offices. The NWC characterized these actions as intentional efforts aimed at seizing confidential files and funds.

He stated, "Attacking offices and organizations has become characteristic of the NLC under Ajaero. In 2024, the NLC forcibly entered our national headquarters and took valuable items. We reported this incident to the authorities. Recently, they threatened another invasion, but their plan was exposed to us by certain NLC members, prompting us to warn the public."

Ajaero ought to understand by this point that assaulting law-abiding citizens, engaging in hooliganism, and displaying recklessness do not align with being a reputable labor leader. His focus should instead be on improving workers' well-being. By turning the Labor Union in Nigeria into a political platform, he has disqualified himself from holding such an esteemed position. Previously, we urged him to leave union activities for a career in politics, yet he refused to heed our advice.

We must clearly assert that NLC has no justification to assault any Labour Party office since there is no ongoing trade dispute. According to the Trade Dispute Act, striking or organizing a picket cannot be justified without such a dispute being present. Additionally, we do not employ any personnel from the NLC, nor do we have any union representatives within our organization. Therefore, their actions are entirely unlawful.

The spokesperson for the LP additionally urged Ajaero to consult with a lawyer if he finds the ruling difficult to understand.

The Supreme Court declared that judicial authorities are not permitted to intervene in the internal operations of a political party. They did not remove the NWC or assert that their term had expired. It is recommended that Joe Ajaero and those like him consult with a legal advisor if they find it difficult to understand a straightforward court statement.

“Let it be known that we will take every legal means to deal with Ajero and his gangsters should they attempt to resort to self-help. We will not hesitate to write to the Registrar of Trade Union to discipline them if they resort to taking laws into their own hands.

Ultimately, we will turn to the security agencies for protection; however, if they oppose us, we will be compelled to organize our members nationwide to counter their actions.

In a distinct announcement, the factional National Secretary of LP, Alhaji Umar Farouq, has criticized Obi, Otti, and the caretaker committee led by Usman, labeling their actions as desperate maneuvers.

Despite deeming their gathering at the National Executive Committee meeting and their trip to the INEC headquarters as unlawful, Farouq maintained that this endeavor highlighted the significant extent of Obi and Otti’s eagerness to seize control of the party’s framework.

If the Supreme Court ruling truly favors them, then why are they urgently approaching INEC with attempts to exert improper pressure on the commission to act incorrectly? Additionally, during their meeting today, they bragged about planning to provide the National Chairman, Barrister Abure, a gentle exit by proposing he take up the role of Chairman for the Board of Trustees.

Sadly for them, Abure did not assume the role of National Chairman. Thus, the focus isn't on Abure; instead, it’s on what the structures have stated. This highlights the importance of the party's organs and the necessity to follow proper procedures.

It isn’t about presenting the BoT to the national chairperson that counts since no one has the authority to assign roles; undoubtedly, such arbitrary actions by certain leaders have brought the nation close to the chaotic situation it currently faces.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).