In a major twist within the Labour Party (LP), Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the party’s acting leader following a recent Supreme Court judgment that removed Julius Abure from his position as National Chairman.
The Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered by a five-member panel, overturned an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had upheld Abure’s chairmanship. Citing this development, Apapa held a press conference on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, announcing his assumption of the party’s leadership.
He argued that the apex court’s judgment effectively nullifies all actions and decisions taken by Abure since April 2023, including those relating to party governance and internal administration.
A joint statement issued by key members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) backed Apapa’s declaration. The statement was co-signed by Deputy National Chairman (NLC), Mr. Ladi Iliya; Deputy National Chairman (TUC), Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim; National Legal Adviser, Barr. Oyelekan Akingbade; National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Arabambi; and National Treasurer, Mrs. Oluchi Opara.
The statement read in part:
“Following the dismissal of the cross-appeal filed by the ousted former National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025, it follows that all actions and decisions taken by him since April 4, 2023, are null and void.
Based on the Supreme Court’s decision setting aside all judgments recognizing Abure’s leadership, I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, being the most senior deputy national officer, and in accordance with Article 14 2(a)(b) of our party constitution, hereby assume the running of the affairs of our great party in an acting capacity, effective today, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, alongside Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary.”
The Apapa-led faction also announced that the Labour Party’s National Working Committee as constituted in 2022 will reconvene on Monday, April 14, 2025, to chart the way forward.
