Imo Guber: Court Denies Apapa’s Faction Motion To Stop LP Candidate 

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, has refused Lamidi Apapa’s faction prayer to stop the candidate of Labour Party, Chief Athan Achonu from participating in Saturday’s Governorship election in Imo State. Ruling in an ex-parte application argued by counsel to the faction, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN, the court rather ordered Apapa and his group members to put the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on notice on the existence of the suit to enable it put up its defense. The faction had in the ex-parte application marked FCH/ABJ/CS/1357/2023, asked for an interim injunction restraining INEC from recognizing or according recognition to any other person laying claim to the gubernatorial ticket of the party in Imo State slated for November 11 other than Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph who emerged from Apapa led.primary election of April 16, 2023. They also prayed for an order of mandatory injunction, compelling INEC to recognize and upload the name of Ukaegbu Joseph as the authentic gubernatorial and flag bearer of the party in Imo State. The faction further demanded for a mandatory order against INEC that the name of Lamidi Apapa be uploaded as the national chairman of the party as well as Alhaji Lawal Saleh as national secretary. In the ruling, Justice Ekwo turned down the request and ordered the faction to turn the ex-parte motion to motion on notice and serve same on INEC being the sole defendant in the suit. “I am not granting you this application today and you have to bring INEC to Court to come and explain its own side in this matter,” the Judge said. Meanwhile, the Judge has fixed further mention in the matter till November 10 to enable Apapa’s faction present its grievances and INEC to respond with its defense.

LP crisis deepens as new factional exco emerges in Lagos

The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has escalated further as the Alhaji Lamidi Apapa-led factional National Working Committee (NWC) officially inaugurated a rival 24-member caretaker State Working Committee (SWC) for Lagos State. This move comes amidst the emergence of a separate faction led by Prince Olumide Adesoyin, intensifying the turmoil within the party. The faction, led by Alhaji Lamidi Apapa has publicly disowned the Executive Committee led by Mrs. Dayo Ekong, which steered the party during the 2023 general elections under the leadership of Mr. Julius Abure. The recent inauguration of the Adesoyin-led LP State Working Committee by Apapa marks his resolve to assert control over the party’s affairs. Apapa, along with other NWC members, emphasized the party’s commitment to adhering to legal processes and underlined that no individual is exempt from the law’s constraints. Apapa stated unequivocally, “Labour Party will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline or illegality. Our allegiance to the rule of law is the foundation of our present position. Those who choose not to align with us should know that our journey is onward. We invite them to join us, as we seek to broaden our support.” He highlighted the grievances with former National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, alleging that he assumed a position above the law. Legal interventions have restrained Abure from assuming the National Chairman role, thereby validating Apapa’s leadership claim. Asserting his position, Apapa clarified that his ascendancy to the role of Acting National Chairman was a result of destiny, nature, and rightful procedure rather than a personal pursuit for power. He also emphasized the string of court victories his NWC has secured in the Federal High Court and the Appeal Court. With regards to the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections, Apapa reassured party members that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would ultimately acknowledge the candidate list produced through the faction’s primaries. Apapa argued that INEC, being an institution governed by law, is bound to uphold their legitimate candidate list. While saying that he’s not opposed to reconciliation, Apapa underscored the importance of adhering to legal pathways. Meanwhile, Adesoyin, in his inaugural address, asserted his team’s authority over the party’s state affairs, emphasizing their commitment to navigating the party through this tumultuous period. Apapa’s leadership has been heralded by Mr. Abass Aroyeun, the National Vice Chairman (South West), who sees Apapa as breathing new life into the party. Aroyeun urged party supporters nationwide to remain steadfast in their support of Apapa’s NWC for the party’s eventual success. The newly inaugurated SWC members include key figures such as Messrs. Omotayo Anjorin, Olanrewaju Ibrahim, Kayode Yusuf, Felix Odusanya, Peter Olusegun, Nnaemeka Anajemba, Richard Oliseyenum, Azubike Peters, Akinrele Abioye, Kunle Okunola, Ademola Hassan, Abass Ibrahim, Dupe Awe, Elliot Ebije, and Samad Okufuwa, among others. The event saw the attendance of LGA and Ward Chairmen of the Labour Party, along with various stakeholders loyal to Apapa, including Chief Moshood Salvador. Notable acting NWC members also participated in the event, including Mr. Abayomi Arabambi, Alhaji Saleh Lawan, Prince Favour Reuben, and Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, reinforcing Apapa’s support within the party’s leadership ranks.