In a dramatic turn of events, Lamidi Apapa has officially assumed control of the Labour Party (LP) following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that set aside previous judgments recognizing Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman. The leadership battle within LP has been intense, with the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee clashing against the Nenadi Usman Caretaker Committee, which has strong backing from prominent figures like Governor Alex Otti and LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Apapa, who had been absent from the political scene for the past year, made a bold return on Wednesday, declaring that he now holds the reins of the Labour Party, citing the release of the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment from April 4th, 2025.
According to reports, the Supreme Court’s five-member panel ruled decisively in favor of Apapa, overturning the Court of Appeal’s previous recognition of Abure. With this ruling, Apapa now stands as the most senior National Deputy Chairman of the party, positioning him to replace Abure in accordance with LP’s constitution.
In a statement issued by Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary, Apapa confirmed that his National Working Committee, as of 2022, would officially convene next Monday, April 14th, 2025, to discuss key decisions, including the zoning of critical party positions.
The statement reads, “Following the dismissal of the cross-appeal filed by the ousted former National Chairman, Bar Julius Abure, also by the Supreme Court on 4th April 2025, all actions and decisions taken by Julius Abure since 4th April 2023 are now null and void. In light of this ruling, I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, the most senior deputy national, and in line with our party’s constitution, hereby assume the leadership of the Labour Party in an acting capacity. I also announce the appointment of Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the National Secretary.”
The statement further emphasized that Apapa’s leadership team would address the party’s future plans, including zoning the position of National Chairman to the North and the National Secretary to the South, during their upcoming meeting.
This pivotal Supreme Court judgment marks a new chapter for the Labour Party, with Lamidi Apapa now in charge and preparing to steer the party in a fresh direction. The political landscape is about to change, and all eyes are on the upcoming decisions that could shape LP’s future in Nigerian politics.
