Lamidi Apapa, a top official and former Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, has strongly criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former presidential candidate Peter Obi over their roles in the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.
Apapa, who now claims to be the acting national chairman, accused both the NLC and Obi of trying to impose leadership on the party by supporting a faction led by Nenadi Usman, despite a Supreme Court ruling that declared the matter an internal party issue.
Apapa argued that according to the Labour Party’s constitution, he is the rightful person to step in as acting chairman since he is the most senior deputy.
He said the Supreme Court’s position meant the party must resolve its problems internally, and that the constitution clearly states the deputy chairman should take over if the chairman is unable to perform his duties.
He also condemned the NLC’s threat to take over Labour Party offices across the country, calling it illegal.
According to him, the NLC helped form the party but does not own it and cannot act as if it controls its affairs.
Apapa said just like a parent doesn’t own a child’s car, the NLC cannot claim ownership of the Labour Party’s decisions or assets.
Apapa accused Obi and his supporters of previously backing Julius Abure whose suspension sparked the crisis but now turning against him after their expectations weren’t met.
He said many of the current problems could have been avoided if Abure had been investigated earlier and the party had followed its constitution.
He rejected claims that he was being sponsored by external forces and insisted that his actions are based on legality and a desire to see the truth upheld within the party.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and follow the Labour Party’s constitutional guidelines in determining legitimate leadership.
