New Crisis Hits Labour Party with Emergence of New Chairman

The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has escalated as former Deputy National Chairman Callistus Okafor has claimed the position of National Chairman.

At a news conference in Abuja on Friday, Okafor stated that his claim to the chairmanship is backed by a 2018 consent judgment from the Federal High Court, which he alleges was ignored. He highlighted that during the judgment period, a leadership dispute existed between the late national chairman Abdulkadir Salam and another faction led by Salisu Mohammed, who also declared himself as national caretaker chair.

Judge Gabriel Kolawole’s consent verdict had ruled that the separate national conventions held by both factions were “inclusive.” Okafor argued that since the court ruling was not implemented, Julius Abure took over and built on a flawed structure, becoming the national chairman.

Okafor, who was a member of the National Working Committee at the time, along with others, considers himself a beneficiary of the 2018 judgment. He asserted, “The rightful owner has claimed the position. I am not challenging the Labour Party leadership with the NLC; rather, I am focusing on the process. The 2014 convention should guide this process. Therefore, I am now the acting chairman of the Labour Party.”

He also mentioned that members of the 2014 National Working Committee, who are beneficiaries of the judgment, are committed to organizing an inclusive convention in line with the court’s ruling and reconciling all aggrieved members within six months to achieve a united Labour Party.

Okafor described his intervention as a crucial resolution to the long-standing legal battle over the party’s leadership.

In response, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed Okafor’s claims. He stated, “We do not need to engage with those attempting to undermine our party’s future. Julius Abure remains the legitimate National Chairman, supported by multiple court judgments. We refuse to be distracted by those hired to cause disruption.”