The leadership crisis that has rocked the Labour Party was exacerbated on Tuesday by the suspension of faction leader Lamidi Apapa. As well as his National Deputy Chairman (South) and other officials. The party has also appointed acting executive members, according to a statement signed by National Deputy Chairperson, Ms Ladi Iliya and Deputy National Secretary, Mr Kenedy Ahanotu.
They explained that the decision was made at a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council in Asaba. The meeting was attended by members of the National Working Committee. Also present at the meeting were state leaders and party secretaries, and presidential candidate Peter Obi.
It was also attended by the party’s National Assembly members-elect, officials of INEC, those of the National Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, according to a statement.
The NEC added that it reaffirmed and upheld the Akure convention’s decision to expel its former publicity secretary, Mr Arabambi Abayomi.
“NEC considered the disciplinary committee’s report which recommended the suspension of the former Youth Leader, Mr Anslem Eragbe and recommended him for expulsion at the next national convention.
“Pending the next convention, NEC suspends Eragbe indefinitely.
“NEC also suspended the following National Working Committee (NWC) members: Lamidi Apapa, Alhaji Salem Lawal, Favour Reuben, Gbenga Daramola, Samuel Akingbade and Mohammed Akali,’’ the statement also read.
It added that the NEC constituted a disciplinary committee. The new committee comprises-
- the National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu
- Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh
- Acting National Legal Adviser, Mr Edun Kehinde.
It listed other members as the Acting Deputy National Secretary, Mr Rotimi Kehinde and the National Vice Chairman South-South MR Anthony Ezeagwu.
The NEC also critically evaluated the 2023 general elections. They also noted INEC’s failure to transmit election results in real-time from polling units. This, they said, gave room for massive manipulation of results.
The statement condemned electoral violence. Particularly the use of security agencies to intimidate voters and perpetrate other crimes in parts of the country.
“NEC noted the resilience, and doggedness of our presidential candidate and its resolve to legitimately reclaim its mandate in court.
“NEC accordingly calls on the judiciary to do the right thing irrespective of whose ox is gored,’’ the statement also read.
It stressed its implicit confidence in Mr Julius Abure-led National Working Committee.
cc: Punch Ng
