Presidential Poll Tribunal: Labour Party Factions Clash At Court Venue

There was a drama at the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, yesterday, as the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa, clashed with members of the party loyal to the presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.

It was reported that Apapa, who is currently entangled in a legal dispute with the Comrade Julius Abure-led LP national executives that conducted the primary election that produced Obi as flag-bearer of the party, stormed the court with some of his supporters.

Immediately the main door to the courtroom was opened, and Apapa made his way to the line of chairs reserved for dignitaries and petitioners. Peter Obi was already seated by the time Apapa attempted to take possession of one of the seats but was blocked by members of the party led by a man identified as LP’s national youth leader.

When Apapa noted that he would not be allowed to sit close to Obi, he relocated to the line of chairs reserved for members of the public. Immediately the court commenced sitting and the case was called up, Apapa stood up and announced himself as the national chairman of LP.

However, Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel said it would not record his presence in view of the leadership crisis rocking the party.

Though the court has adjourned further pre-hearing session on Obi’s petition till Friday May 19, outside the court, a number of LP supporters was already waiting for Apapa.

As soon as they sighted him coming out of the court, they were all over him. As he was being rough-handled in his overflowing agbada, (native flowing dress), some of the party supporters grabbed and threw away his cap, as security men quickly hurried him out of the scene to make way for his escape.

The embattled Apapa, addressing newsmen later after being released from protective custody by security operatives, thanked God for saving his life.