In another twist on Wednesday, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa declared himself the Labour Party’s acting national chairman, following a Supreme Court ruling that effectively nullified Julius Abure’s chairmanship.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Apapa cited the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court judgement which struck down Abure’s claim to the party’s top job, saying it marked the end of an era and the beginning of what he described as a return to constitutional order in the opposition party.
“With the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the cross appeal filed by Julius Abure, all actions he’s taken since April 4, 2023, are legally void,” Apapa asserted. “As the most senior deputy national officer, and in line with Article 14 of our constitution, I hereby assume leadership of the Labour Party in an acting capacity.”
He also announced that the National Working Committee (NWC) as it stood in 2022 would reconvene on Monday, April 14, 2025, to begin what he called a “restructuring process” aimed at repositioning the Labour Party ahead of future elections.
“We will zone the position of National Chairman to the North and National Secretary to the South,” he added. “We will revive the moribund Board of Trustees and commence ward-to-national level congresses that will reflect democratic participation by all financial members of the party.”
The dramatic takeover bid marks the latest twist in a bitter internal battle that has dogged the Labour Party since its rise to prominence in the 2023 general elections, riding on the wave of youth support and Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy.
Political analysts say the timing of the Supreme Court’s ruling — and Apapa’s swift declaration — may further divide the party unless a consensus is reached quickly.
Apapa listed key party officials who will be part of the April 14 meeting, including:
Mr. Ladi Iliya – Deputy National Chairman (NLC)
Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi – Deputy National Chairman (TUC)
Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim – National Secretary
Barr. Oyelekan Akingbade – National Legal Adviser
Dr. Abayomi Arabambi – National Publicity Secretary
Mrs. Oluchi Opara – National Youth Leader
The announcement throws the party into renewed uncertainty, especially amid speculations about its 2027 electoral strategy and whether this leadership shuffle will fracture its coalition or forge a new direction.
For now, all eyes are on the April 14 meeting and whether the Labour Party can heal or if this signals a deeper crack in its foundation.
