Apapa faction makes u-turn, backs Abure as LP chair

A year after the leadership of the opposition LP was separated with the incumbent National Chairman, Julius Abure and the Deputy National Chairman of the party (South), Lamidi Apapa laying claim to the mantle of leadership, both camps have agreed to sheath their swords and work together.

The opposition Labour Party’s leadership crisis has been resolved, with National Chairman Julius Abure and Deputy National Chairman (South) Lamidi Apapa agreeing to work together after a year of factional disputes.

The crisis began in April 2023 when a court judgment restrained Abure and others from parading as national officers, leading to a split in the party and a fierce battle for control.

Abure initially had the support of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), but fell out with the organization after a contentious national convention, leading to the setting up of a transition committee to conduct a fresh convention.

Abure and Apapa’s factions have now united to prevent the NLC from taking over the party, with a source stating that Abure needs a united front against the NLC’s threat, and Apapa’s spokesman confirming the development and expressing a desire to stop external forces from destabilizing the party.