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At a press conference held in Abuja, Apapa argued that the April 4, 2025 judgment of the Supreme Court, which set aside earlier rulings recognizing Julius Abure’s leadership, effectively paved the way for his emergence.
“Following the decision of the Supreme Court to nullify all judgments that recognized Julius Abure as National Chairman, I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, being the most senior Deputy National Chairman, hereby assume the role of Acting National Chairman, effective April 9, 2025,” he stated, referencing Article 14 2(a)(b) of the party’s constitution. He also named Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary.
Supreme Court Verdict Sparks Fresh Confusion
A five-man panel of the Supreme Court had ruled that internal party affairs, including leadership disputes, fall outside judicial jurisdiction, while also noting that Abure’s tenure had already expired. Prior to this, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had convened in Abia State, removing Abure and appointing a 29-member caretaker committee headed by former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, with Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary.
This new leadership has received the backing of the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Abure Camp Refutes Claim, Releases Supreme Court Judgment
In a swift reaction, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, dismissed Apapa’s claim, stating that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment vindicates the Abure-led leadership.
“The judgment did not declare Abure’s tenure expired, nor did it mandate the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee to take over,” Ifoh said in a statement. “The Supreme Court emphasized party supremacy and internal resolution of party matters.”
He stressed that the current leadership, elected at the March 2024 National Convention for a four-year term, remains valid and legally binding.
“There is no vacuum in LP’s leadership. Apapa’s declaration is merely another attempt to destabilize the party,” Ifoh told DAILY POST. “Factionalizing the party serves no one’s interest.”
All Eyes on INEC as Leadership Dispute Escalates
Amid the ongoing leadership dispute, attention has now shifted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as three factions—led by Apapa, Abure, and Nenadi Usman—jostle for official recognition.
Earlier in the week, Governor Otti and other LP leaders submitted the Supreme Court’s CTC to INEC headquarters in Abuja. They were received by INEC’s Acting Chairman, Sam Olumekun, who reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
INEC is expected to review the judgment and issue an official position on which faction it recognizes.
As the leadership battle rages on, stakeholders and party supporters are calling for a swift resolution to prevent further division ahead of upcoming elections.
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