The Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria is embroiled in a deep leadership crisis, with two factions vying for control. Lamidi Apapa, the erstwhile deputy national chairman, asserts his legitimacy as the acting National Chairman, citing the recent Supreme Court judgment that invalidated the Court of Appeal’s recognition of Julius Abure. Apapa argues that according to the party’s constitution, the deputy assumes leadership in the absence of the chairman, emphasizing that his actions are driven by the need to steer the party through turbulent times, not personal ambition. He dismisses the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as unconstitutional, further complicating the power struggle within the LP. Apapa’s re-emergence after a two-year hiatus, attributed to the strain of ongoing legal battles, has added fuel to the already raging fire of internal conflict.
The Abure-led faction vehemently rejects Apapa’s claims, accusing him of being a pawn in a larger game orchestrated by external forces seeking to destabilize the party. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary aligned with Abure, alleges that Apapa is likely being manipulated by the Nenadi Usman camp, possibly with the involvement of prominent figures like Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor. Ifoh dismisses Apapa’s return as a desperate attempt to regain political relevance, fueled by financial incentives allegedly received from the opposing camp. He asserts that the LP has not officially acknowledged Apapa’s return due to his unrecognized position. This claim throws a shadow of doubt over Apapa’s motivations and further entrenches the divide within the party.
The Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee has remained silent amidst the escalating conflict, adding to the ambiguity surrounding their role in the leadership tussle. Their silence fuels speculation about their involvement in the power struggle and raises questions about their ultimate objectives. The lack of communication from this faction deepens the uncertainty within the LP and makes navigating the crisis even more complex. With multiple power centers vying for dominance, the party is caught in a web of accusations and counter-accusations, jeopardizing its stability and future prospects.
Adding another layer to the crisis, the LP Interim Committee in Cross River State has pledged allegiance to the Nenadi Usman-led leadership, hailing the Supreme Court judgment as a victory for the rule of law and party constitutionalism. Amawu Cletus, the state’s Publicity Secretary, condemned the Abure camp’s response to the judgment as reckless, signaling the deepening factionalism within the party. The Cross River chapter’s stance further strengthens the Usman faction and adds another dimension to the already complex power dynamics. The diverging loyalties threaten to fracture the party along state lines, further exacerbating the existing leadership crisis.
The LP’s internal strife comes at a crucial time in Nigerian politics, threatening to undermine its growth and influence. The battle for control, fueled by conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court judgment and accusations of external interference, risks paralyzing the party and diverting its focus from critical national issues. The ongoing power struggle could lead to legal challenges, factional splits, and a decline in public trust, ultimately hindering the party’s ability to effectively participate in the political landscape.
The Labour Party’s future hangs in the balance as the leadership crisis escalates. The conflicting claims, accusations, and power plays threaten to further fragment the party and erode its credibility. A resolution requires clear communication, adherence to the party’s constitution, and a commitment to internal democracy. The ability of the different factions to find common ground and prioritize the party’s interests over individual ambitions will determine the LP’s ability to overcome this turbulent period and emerge as a unified and effective political force.
