Breaking: Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa Assumes Leadership of Labour Party After Historic Supreme Court Ruling
Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa Holds Press Conference in Abuja Following His Appointment as Acting National Chairman of Labour Party
Fellow Nigerians,
In light of the recent landmark rulings by the Supreme Court in Appeal Nos. CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024 and Suit Nos. FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, which reprimanded the lower courts for exceeding their jurisdiction, the Court has clarified that issues relating to the leadership of a political party are not within the purview of the judiciary. Consequently, the decisions affirming Julius Abure as National Chairman of our party have been overturned.
Furthermore, following the dismissal of the cross-appeal by the ousted former National Chairman, Bar Julius Abure, by the Supreme Court on April 4th, 2025, it has been made clear that any actions or decisions taken by Abure from April 4th, 2023, onward are rendered invalid.
In line with the Supreme Court’s decision and in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution, specifically Article 14(2)(a)(b), I, Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, the most senior Deputy National Chairman, hereby assume leadership of the Labour Party in an acting capacity, effective today, Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. Additionally, Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim will serve as the National Secretary.
It is also important to note that, in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, Mr. Alex Otti, who betrayed the party through anti-party activities during the Abia State Local Government Elections—where the Zenith Labour Party won all seats—cannot claim to now be a savior of our party.
Moreover, during the last General Elections, Mr. Joe Ajaero of the NLC did not support any Labour Party gubernatorial candidates but instead extended support to other political parties.
My leadership hereby calls for all constitutional members of the Labour Party to join the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting scheduled for Monday, April 14th, 2025. This meeting will outline our plans, including the zoning of the position of National Chairman to the North and National Secretary to the South.
Additionally, we will take immediate steps to revitalize the Board of Trustees and ensure its effective functioning.
The following National Working Committee members are hereby notified of the upcoming NWC meeting:
Deputy National Chairman (NLC): Mr. Ladi Iliya
Deputy National Chairman (TUC): Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi
National Secretary: Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim
National Legal Adviser: Barrister Oyelekan Akingbade
National Publicity Secretary: Dr. Abayomi Arabambi
National Treasurer: Mrs. Oluchi Opara
National Youth Leader: Comrade Eragbe Anslem
Deputy National Secretary: Kennedy Ahanotu
Deputy National Secretary: Alhaji Saleh Lawal
National Financial Secretary: Rolland Daramola
National Vice Chairman (South-South): Reuben Favour
National Vice Chairman (South-East): Okeke Innocent
National Vice Chairman (North-East): Alhaji Alikali
National Organizing Secretary: Clement Ojukwu
National Women Leader: Mrs. Dudu Manuga
I would like to make it clear that our new administration will organize a National Convention within the next six months to elect a new National Chairman from the North and a National Secretary from the South.
Furthermore, the threats of violent takeover of Labour Party offices by Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, are not only an assault on democracy but must be immediately rescinded. Violence cannot be tolerated, and any attempt to incite it will have serious consequences, including legal action for treasonable offenses.
Thank you for your attention.
Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa
Acting National Chairman
Labour Party
April 9th, 2025
Abuja
