The acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa, caused a stir at the Tribunal today (Friday) as he departed the Court of Appeal in Abuja, accompanied by a security detail.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this development follows the reactions to his earlier attempt to attend Wednesday’s proceedings.
As previously reported by this newspaper, Apapa and his team had stormed the Presidential Election Petition Court on Wednesday morning but were promptly escorted out of the premises after the proceedings.
The incident unfolded when Apapa attempted to occupy the seat reserved for the party chairman, which was met with opposition from members loyal to ousted chairman Julius Abure. This led to a mild commotion in the courtroom prior to the arrival of the five-member panel of justices.
Despite his presence, the court declined to acknowledge Apapa or Dudu Manuga, the national women leader who represented the Abure faction, due to the party’s internal power struggle.
After the court adjourned the matter to Friday, May 19, Apapa sought to address the press. However, he was swiftly confronted by Labour Party supporters loyal to Julius Abure, who prevented him from speaking.
Amidst jeers, pushes, and shoves, they argued that Apapa was not a representative of their party and therefore should not speak to journalists about its affairs.
The former deputy national chairman has been embroiled in a leadership dispute, with his supporters at odds with the loyalists of the suspended party chairman, Julius Abure.
Below are some captured photos by Channels Television correspondents.
