A new controversy has erupted within the Labour Party (LP) following former Deputy National Chairman Callistus Okafor’s assertion of the National Chairmanship position.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Okafor declared his intention to assume leadership, citing a 2018 consent judgment by the Federal High Court, which he claims has been ignored.
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The ruling, delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, had addressed a leadership dispute involving the late national chairman Abdulkadir Salam and a faction led by Salisu Mohammed, who also claimed the position of national caretaker chair.
Okafor contends that the judgment was not enforced, allowing Julius Abure to assume the role of national chairman based on a flawed foundation.
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He argued that, as a member of the 2014 National Working Committee, he and others are beneficiaries of this court ruling.
“The rightful leadership is now in place,” Okafor stated, emphasizing that his claim is based on legal entitlement rather than a contest with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
He proposed organizing an all-inclusive convention in line with the 2018 judgment and committed to reconciling aggrieved members to unify the party.
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Okafor framed his action as a critical step in resolving the prolonged legal struggle over the party’s leadership.
In response, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed Okafor’s claims.
Ifoh reiterated that Julius Abure remains the legitimate National Chairman, supported by several court judgments, and criticized those attempting to destabilize the party.
