The internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) continues to deepen, with factional leader Lamidi Apapa reaffirming that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not behind his recent actions.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH, Apapa, a former Deputy National Chairman of the LP, discussed his ongoing legal battle with Julius Abure, the role of the party’s constitution, and his rejection of claims that he is being sponsored by external forces.
According to Apapa, his recent reemergence on the political scene stems from a need to protect the Labour Party from further collapse amid rising tensions between Abure’s National Working Committee and a caretaker group led by Nenadi Usman, allegedly backed by Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.
He stated, “Even if somebody is bankrolling me, what about the issue on ground?” stressing that the central issue is about legality and adherence to the party’s constitution.
He noted that the recent Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership crisis did not resolve the matter but instead directed all parties to resolve internal disputes based on the party’s guiding documents.
“Now, if the court has no jurisdiction… then who should be there?” Apapa asked, arguing that his position as the most senior deputy automatically qualifies him to act in the chairman’s role. He cited Article 14 (2) A and B of the LP constitution as his legal basis.
On the matter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its support for Obi and Otti’s group, Apapa questioned the legitimacy of the NLC’s involvement in LP affairs, stating, “You cannot unmake what you don’t make.”
While acknowledging NLC’s role in the founding of the Labour Party, he stressed that it does not give them ownership or control over the party’s operations or leadership decisions.
Apapa rejected the claim that INEC could unilaterally determine the rightful leadership of the Labour Party, adding that the electoral commission is expected to remain neutral. He confirmed that court documents have been consistently forwarded to INEC, making it fully aware of the ongoing disputes
Regarding fears that he or Abure could be sidelined as INEC reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment, Apapa dismissed such concerns. “INEC is still expecting more,” he said, pointing out that any decision should be based on facts presented by all factions.
He warned that ignoring the constitution in favor of political loyalty would only worsen the crisis, noting how Abure was once fully supported by Obi’s camp and the NLC before being allegedly betrayed. “Tell Abure to step aside and let us investigate all the allegations against him,” Apapa said, suggesting this as the first step to resolving the party’s troubles.
