In a dramatic turn of events within the Labour Party (LP), Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the party’s leader following a Supreme Court judgment that sacked Julius Abure as the National Chairman.
In a recent ruling, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had earlier recognized Abure as the party’s national chairman.
Citing the apex court’s verdict, Apapa held a press conference on Wednesday where he announced his takeover of the party’s leadership. He argued that the court’s decision nullifies all actions and decisions taken by Abure since April 2023.
In a statement co-signed by key members of the party — 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 confirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted in 2022 will convene 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.”