Mr Lamidi Apapa, the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, has refuted allegations of receiving N500 million from any source to sabotage the party’s case at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
Apapa has further appealed to the party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 Presidential Election, Mr Peter Obi, to intervene in the internal leadership dispute of the party in an impartial manner, with the aim of finding a resolution.
Speaking to journalists after narrowly escaping a mob attack by angry youths at the PEPC in Abuja on Wednesday, Apapa categorically denied receiving any money or being influenced by any individual or group to act against the party’s interests.
Apapa emphasized the importance of impartiality and objectivity on the part of Mr. Peter Obi in addressing the ongoing leadership conflict, stating that it is crucial for finding a resolution.
Expressing his disappointment, Apapa described the incident that occurred at the PEPC in the presence of Obi as disgraceful and viewed it as a test of Obi’s leadership qualities.
Apapa further stated that the leadership crisis could have been resolved earlier if the presidential candidate had respected the order issued by the FCT High Court. The court had instructed Julius Abure and three others to cease presenting themselves as national officers of the party.
Providing a background to the origins of the conflict, Apapa explained that once the court order was delivered to the concerned parties, he was unanimously chosen to assume the role of interim leader for the party.
Apapa expressed his dissatisfaction with Obi’s decision to show respect to Abure, despite the court’s order, especially considering that Obi himself is a presidential candidate seeking justice from the same legal system.
Apapa urged Obi to adopt an unbiased and open-minded approach to help bring an end to the crisis.
In attendance at the briefing were the Deputy National Chairman of the Party in the North, Mr Mike Auta, the National Publicity Secretary, Olufemi Arabambi and the Acting Women Leader, Rukkayat Salihu.