Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has officially announced that he has assumed leadership of the Labour Party following a Supreme Court ruling that ousted Julius Abure as the national chairman of the party. Apapa made this declaration during a press conference on Wednesday, citing the April 4, 2025, Supreme Court decision that nullified Abure’s leadership.
Apapa, who is the most senior deputy national chairman of the Labour Party, referred to the court ruling that all actions and decisions made by Abure since April 4, 2023, are now void. As per the party’s constitution (Article 14 2(a)(b)), Apapa has taken over the affairs of the party in an acting capacity, with Alh. Farouk Umar Ibrahim appointed as the National Secretary.
Apapa’s leadership has called for a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), which will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025. He also outlined plans to revive the Board of Trustees and set in motion the conduct of Ward, Local Government, State Congresses, and the National Convention. He emphasized that every party member, provided they are financial members, will have the right to participate.
In addition, Apapa revealed the zoning of key party positions: National Chairman will be zoned to the North, and National Secretary will be zoned to the South.
The announcement has significant implications for the Labour Party, as it marks a shift in leadership following the Supreme Court decision. It also sets the stage for crucial organizational processes within the party.