As the leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) continues to unfold, Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the acting National Chairman of the party, following the recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the leadership of Julius Abure.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Apapa said the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, effectively removed Abure from office, and, as the most senior deputy national chairman, he is constitutionally empowered to assume the leadership of the party.
“Following the decision of the Supreme Court on setting aside all judgements that recognise the leadership of Julius Abure as National Chairman, I, ALH BASHIRU LAMIDI APAPA, the most senior deputy national, and in consonance with our party constitution, Article 14 2(a)(b), hereby take over the running of the affairs of our great party with effect from today, Wednesday, the 9th day of April 2025, in an acting capacity, and Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary,” he stated.
He further announced that the National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted in 2022 would meet on Monday, April 14, 2025, to set a new direction for the party.
“My leadership hereby calls on all members of the Labour Party that the National Working Committee of our party as of 2022 will meet next week, Monday, 14th April 2025, to announce our plans, which will include zoning the position of National Chairman to the North and National Secretary to the South.”
Apapa emphasized that all actions taken by Abure since the Supreme Court’s ruling were null and void. He also promised that his leadership would revive the dormant Board of Trustees (BoT) and reposition the party for inclusive participation.
“My leadership will also take proactive steps to resuscitate the moribund Board of Trustees and make it functional,” he said.
He listed members of the 2022 NWC who are expected at Monday’s meeting, adding that preparations for party congresses and the national convention would commence immediately.
“The National Working Committee members listed below are hereby put on notice about the NWC meeting coming up on Monday next week, where we will immediately set in motion the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Congresses, State Congresses, and National Convention, where every member of our party shall have the right to participate, provided you are a financial member.”
Apapa listed key officials under his leadership: “Deputy National Chairman NLC, Mr. Ladi Iliya; Deputy National Chairman TUC, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, National Secretary; Alh. Umar Farouq Ibrahim, National Legal Adviser; Bar. Oyelekan Akingbade, National Publicity Secretary; Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, National Treasurer; and Mrs. Oluchi Opara, National Youth Leader.”