The ongoing leadership crisis within Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) escalated on Tuesday, with the suspension of factional leader Lamidi Apapa, the National Deputy Chairman (South), and several other officials. In response, the party named temporary executive members in a statement signed by Ladi Iliya, National Deputy Chairperson, and Kenedy Ahanotu, Deputy National Secretary.
The statement disclosed that these decisions were made at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Asaba, attended by National Working Committee members, state chairpersons, secretaries of the party, and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The gathering also included National Assembly members-elect, officials from INEC, the NLC, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
According to the statement, the NEC upheld the Akure convention’s decision to expel former publicity secretary Arabambi Abayomi and considered the disciplinary committee’s report recommending the suspension and potential expulsion of former Youth Leader Anslem Eragbe. Until the next national convention, Eragbe’s suspension will be indefinite.
The statement also announced the suspension of National Working Committee (NWC) members Lamidi Apapa, Alhaji Salem Lawal, Favour Reuben, Gbenga Daramola, Samuel Akingbade, and Mohammed Akali. Furthermore, the NEC established a disciplinary committee with members including National Youth Leader Kennedy Ahanotu, Acting National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, Acting National Legal Adviser Edun Kehinde, Acting Deputy National Secretary Rotimi Kehinde, and National Vice Chairman South-South Anthony Ezeagwu.
The NEC critically evaluated the 2023 general elections and criticized INEC’s failure to transmit election results in real-time from polling units, which allowed for widespread manipulation of results. The statement also denounced electoral violence and the use of security agencies to intimidate voters and commit other crimes in various regions.
The NEC highlighted the determination and persistence of their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the party’s decision to legally reclaim its mandate in court. The statement called on the judiciary to act fairly, regardless of the parties involved.
The Labour Party has expressed unwavering confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). The party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Obi, placed third in the presidential election, while the party secured the third-highest number of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
