The Labour Party (LP) has sternly warned Callistus Okafor, who has declared himself the National Chairman, about the risks of contempt of court. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made this clear during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Okafor, during an earlier news conference, claimed his position based on his participation in the Labour Party’s 2014 National Convention. He then took it upon himself to announce his leadership. However, the Labour Party was quick to counter this claim.
Ifoh stated, “This latest development is coming after the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja which only recently validated the Nnewi Convention of the Labour Party that produced a new set of executives led by Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman.”
The Labour Party views Okafor’s actions as theatrical. “We wish to state clearly that Callistus Okafor could pass as a dramatist who chose to dance to the gallery and entertain people,” Ifoh said. He questioned the motivation behind Okafor’s actions, considering that the party has moved forward with two successful National Conventions since then.
Nigerians are no strangers to Okafor’s antics. In 2021, he made a similar declaration of leadership, which led to court battles. Okafor’s claims were dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
“The Court of Appeal held clearly that Callistus Okafor cannot use the Consent Judgement to make himself the national chairman of the Labour Party,” Ifoh added. The court not only reprimanded Okafor but also dismissed his suit with a significant cost, which remains unpaid.
The Labour Party’s latest warning is a clear message to Okafor. By defying the court’s decisions, he risks legal repercussions. The party expressed shock and surprise that Okafor has once again surfaced with these claims, directly opposing the Court of Appeal’s decision.
