Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has declared that he has assumed leadership of the Labour Party following a Supreme Court ruling that removed Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman. Apapa made this announcement during a press briefing on Wednesday.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s judgment on April 4, 2025, which invalidated Abure’s leadership as the basis for his decision to take charge. Apapa further revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, as constituted in 2022, will convene on Monday, April 14, 2025.
“Following the dismissal of the cross-appeal filed by the ousted former National Chairman, Bar Julius Abure, also by the Supreme Court on April 4th, 2025, what this means is that all actions and decisions taken by Julius Abure since April 4th, 2023, are null and void,” he stated.
With the Supreme Court ruling setting aside judgments that recognized Abure’s leadership, Apapa, who is the most senior deputy national chairman, invoked the party’s constitution, Article 14 2(a)(b), to assume leadership. “I, ALH BASHIRU LAMIDI APAPA, hereby take over the running of the affairs of our great party with effect from today, Wednesday, the 9th day of April 2025, in an acting capacity, and Alh. Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary,” he announced.
Apapa’s leadership called for all Labour Party members to attend the NWC meeting next Monday, where plans will be unveiled, including the zoning of the National Chairman position to the North and National Secretary to the South.
“My leadership will also take proactive steps to resuscitate the moribund Board of Trustees and make it functional,” he added. Apapa also notified key members of the NWC, stating, “The National Working Committee members listed below are hereby put on notice about the NWC meeting coming up on Monday next week, where we will immediately set in motion the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Congresses, State Congresses, and National Convention, where every member of our party shall have the right to participate, provided you are a financial member.”
He listed the NWC members, including Deputy National Chairman NLC, Mr. Ladi Iliya; Deputy National Chairman TUC, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi; and National Secretary, Alh. Umar Farouq Ibrahim.
