Tensions rose at the Presidential Election Petition Court today as Lamidi Apapa, the factional national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), engaged in a heated confrontation with Akin Osuntokun, the director-general of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign council, over seating arrangements.
The commotion erupted when the courtroom doors swung open at approximately 8:05 am, welcoming lawyers and litigants for the day’s proceedings.
Osuntokun and other prominent figures from the party had already taken their places in the plaintiffs’ gallery when Apapa and his colleagues approached them, demanding that they relinquish their seats.
Apapa argued that, as the legitimate head of the Labour Party, he was entitled to a seat in the plaintiffs’ gallery. However, Osuntokun adamantly refused, asserting that Apapa had no authority to claim the seat.
The escalating situation compelled Josephine Ekperobe, the secretary of the presidential election petition court, to intervene and defuse the tension between the two leaders.
Regrettably, the drama did not conclude there. The Presidential Election Petition Court ultimately made a decision to only recognize Peter Obi, the first petitioner, as the representative of the Labour Party within the court.
This decision, presided over by Justice Haruna Tsammani, followed the court’s awareness of a disagreement between two factions of the party prior to the commencement of proceedings.
When the case was called, Peter Obi promptly stood up to announce his appearance, accompanied by Dudu Manuga, the National Women’s Leader of the Party, who positioned herself near Obi.
However, before the court could officially document Manuga’s presence, Lamidi Apapa swiftly stood up and declared himself as the representative of the Labour Party. Justice Haruna swiftly interjected, stating, “It appears there was a little disagreement… We are not recognizing any representative from the party.”
Notably, Julius Abure, the suspended national chairman of LP, was also present in court during this contentious episode.
This incident marks another instance of political turbulence within the Labour Party, highlighting the deep divisions and conflicting factions vying for control.
As the court proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the legal challenges brought forth by the party. TalkGlitz will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
Watch the video below:
WATCH: Labour Party Factions Confront Each Other At Presidential Election Petition Tribunal In Abuja pic.twitter.com/Ob8PQPCRlW
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) May 17, 2023
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