…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
During a hearing at the Presidential Election Tribunal, the Labour Party’s factional chairman, Lamidi Apapa, found himself at the center of a heated internal party conflict.
Supporters loyal to the deposed chairman, Julius Abure, publicly humiliated Apapa, accusing him of betraying the party.
Apapa vehemently denies these allegations, escalating tensions within the party.
Courtroom Chaos and Exclusion of Party Representatives
As Apapa attempted to claim the party chairman’s seat, which was fiercely opposed by Abure’s followers, a physical altercation broke out, causing commotion in the courtroom.
Consequently, the tribunal refused to acknowledge Dudu Manuga, who stood in for the Abure faction as the national women’s leader, and even barred Apapa from participating.
Tribunal’s Decision and Adjournment
In light of the internal party strife, the tribunal declared that neither of the conflicting groups could represent the party, resulting in their exclusion from the record.
The proceedings were adjourned to Friday, May 19, leaving the matter unresolved.
Apapa’s Public Humiliation and Party Reactions
Following the adjournment, Abure’s supporters vehemently asserted that Apapa lacked legitimacy as a representative of the party and should not be allowed to speak on its behalf.
In an embarrassing incident, a furious crowd snatched Apapa’s bronze-colored cap, symbolically labeling him a “robber” (“Ole” in Yoruba).
The police intervened to diffuse the tense situation and escorted a visibly frightened Apapa back into the courthouse.
Apapa’s public humiliation was celebrated by Abure’s supporters, who accused him of disloyalty and undermining Abure’s authority within the party.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) also disavowed Apapa, referring to him as a “meddlesome interloper.”
Controversial Stance and Allegations
Prior to the incident, Apapa had demanded the detention of anyone supporting an interim administration in Nigeria, including the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
This stance clashed with appeals from some of Obi’s supporters, who sought to postpone the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as president until the resolution of electoral petitions filed by the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party challenging Tinubu’s victory.
Apapa, despite the humiliation and accusations of being influenced by opposing political parties to undermine the Labour Party, expressed gratitude for his survival during the incident.
He maintained that he had made significant contributions to the party and expressed his willingness to reveal the truth about Peter Obi’s involvement in fostering divisions within the party.