BREAKING: Labour Party Leadership Crisis Resolved As Abure and Apapa Factions Unite

The Labour Party’s leadership crisis has ended as factions led by Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa reconciled to present a united front against external pressures, particularly from the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The prolonged leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) appears to have come to an end as the factions led by Chairman Julius Abure and Deputy Chairman Lamidi Apapa have reconciled and agreed to collaborate.

The conflict began in April 2023 when a court ruling barred Abure and three others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party, leading to a division among loyalists. Abure fought to retain his position with support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under National President Joe Ajaero.

However, tensions rose after a controversial national convention in Anambra reinstated Abure and his allies, causing the NLC to withdraw its support and form a transition committee for a fresh convention.

In an effort to present a united front against the NLC’s demands, Abure reached out to the Apapa faction. A source close to the LP national secretariat confirmed that this move was strategic to counter the NLC’s influence. “It is the only logical way for him to have a united front against the threat of the NLC in particular. Abure has a long history with Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi,” the source explained.

Abayomi Arabambi, spokesman for the Apapa faction, confirmed the reconciliation, stating that their initial conflict was with the NLC’s perceived attempt to take over the party, not with Abure. “We are together to stop all those political hawks from taking over our party. The NLC’s intentions became clear, and we cannot accept that. This unity is crucial to protect the party’s integrity,” Arabambi said.

He added that the Apapa faction had no desire to break the law and that the reconciliation was essential to prevent the NLC from destabilizing the party and the country. “We are here to fight those who want to use the Labour Party to foment trouble. Nobody is contesting any elections now; our focus is on unity and stability.”

Arabambi also mentioned the dissolution of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, emphasizing that all members have returned to their previous roles and there is no room for misinformation within the party. He highlighted the importance of resolving internal conflicts, drawing parallels with the reconciliation efforts within the APC and PDP.

National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh confirmed the party’s unity, noting that the LP’s constitution clearly defines its rules and anyone deviating from them would face consequences. He emphasized that the LP has only one legitimate faction led by Julius Abure and that those involved in anti-party activities are now reconsidering their positions.

“Many have realized that the laws do not support their actions and have chosen to return to the party. Our doors are wide open for anyone willing to align with the party’s interests. The Labour Party is now more united than ever,” Ifoh stated.

In conclusion, the Labour Party’s leadership crisis has been resolved, with both factions uniting to ensure stability and protect the party’s interests against external influences.