Lamidi Apapa Takes Over Labour Party Leadership After Supreme Court Judgment
Lamidi Apapa Takes Over Labour Party Leadership After Supreme Court Judgment
By Audoz Buzz Political Desk
[April 9, 2025 – Abuja] — In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Lamidi Apapa has officially taken over the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) following a Supreme Court judgment delivered earlier today.
The apex court, in a final and binding ruling, affirmed the faction led by Lamidi Apapa as the legitimate national leadership of the LP, ending months of fierce legal and political tussles within the party.
The decision dealt a major blow to the faction aligned with former presidential candidate Peter Obi and embattled former party chairman Julius Abure, both of whom have contested Apapa’s authority since the internal crisis broke out in early 2023.
The Judgment
Reading the unanimous judgment, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun stated that the Labour Party failed to follow its own constitution in appointing or sustaining the previous leadership after internal disciplinary proceedings were challenged.
“The Apapa-led faction, having met all constitutional requirements under the party’s guidelines, remains the legally recognized executive, and all actions taken by any parallel leadership are hereby declared null and void,” the court ruled.
Lamidi Apapa Reacts
In a press briefing shortly after the judgment, Apapa emerged from the courtroom visibly emotional, calling the ruling a vindication of truth and justice.
“Today marks a new dawn for the Labour Party,” he said. “This is not a victory for me personally — it is a victory for law, order, and democratic values. We will now begin the urgent task of rebuilding our party and preparing for future elections.”
Apapa also extended what he called a “hand of reconciliation” to party members who had opposed his leadership, saying “there is no winner or loser — only the Labour Party.”
Obi, Abure Camp in Shock
Sources close to Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment, but stopped short of confirming whether he would challenge the decision or defect to another party. Obi is expected to issue an official statement in the coming hours.
A spokesperson for the Abure-led camp described the judgment as “a travesty of justice”, insisting that the “battle for the soul of the party is far from over.”
Party Base Reacts
The judgment has polarized supporters across the country. In Lagos and Anambra, some LP faithful took to social media and radio phone-ins, expressing dismay and fear that the ruling may undermine the credibility of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, others see the ruling as a chance for institutional reset. “If this ends the infighting, then maybe it’s what we need,” said Adebayo Onitiri, a political analyst in Ibadan.
What Next for the Labour Party?
With Apapa now in control of the party’s national structure — including INEC recognition, finances, and congress planning — immediate changes are expected.
Insiders say a national convention will be convened in the coming weeks to restructure leadership at all levels and set a clear agenda for 2026 off-cycle elections and the 2027 polls.
Still, the big question remains: Will Peter Obi stay?
As one of Nigeria’s most popular opposition figures, his next move could define the future of the Labour Party — or splinter it further.
For now, Lamidi Apapa stands at the helm of a divided but powerful party, with both opportunity and uncertainty ahead.
Audoz Buzz will continue to follow this developing story.
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