The internal leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) escalated on Monday, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and embattled Deputy National Chairman Lamidi Apapa clashed over control of the party.
Apapa attempted to convene a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in what he claimed was a step toward reconciliation, following the recent Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership. However, the meeting failed to hold and has been postponed to a later date.
Citing Article 14 of the Labour Party’s constitution, Apapa maintained that he has the legal backing to assume leadership in the absence of a national chairman. He argued that with Julius Abure removed by the apex court, he is now the rightful figure to steer the party.
Apapa further stated that the NLC’s role is to help stabilize the party — not to usurp its leadership. He criticized the establishment of the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, stating that there is no constitutional basis for its existence.
Speaking during a radio appearance on Smile FM, monitored in Lagos, Apapa insisted that his actions are backed by party statutes and not political ambition.
In reaction, the Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, Professor Theophilus Ndubaku, dismissed Apapa’s claim to the leadership of the party. He asserted that Apapa’s tenure, along with the Abure-led National Working Committee, expired with the conclusion of the term agreed upon for a court-endorsed settlement.
Ndubaku stated that Apapa no longer holds any legitimate position within the party, accusing him of seeking relevance and media attention.
“Everything about Abure and his followers ended after the expiration of that period they agreed to for terms of settlement. That includes Apapa and everybody associated with that NWC,” he said.
He also alleged that Apapa and others may be acting on behalf of external interests threatened by the Labour Party’s growing popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Most of them are being sponsored because they know that LP is the party to beat come 2027. That is why they are scared,” Ndubaku claimed.
As the Labour Party continues to gain national relevance, particularly among youth and workers, the ongoing leadership struggle threatens to derail internal unity and distract from preparations for future elections.
