Breaking News: Former LP Deputy Chair Takes the Helm and Calls for a Major Convention Shake-Up!

Babatunji Wusu –

In a recent development within the Labour Party (LP), Callistus Okafor, a former Deputy Chairman (South), has announced his assumption of control over the party’s affairs. Okafor’s decision is based on a 2018 consent judgment from the Federal High Court, which he asserts has not been properly enforced.

The party had previously faced a leadership crisis involving the late Abdulkadir Salam, the then-chair of LP, and a faction led by Salisu Mohammed, who had declared himself the national caretaker chair. The court’s verdict, delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, mandated that an “inclusive” national convention be convened to resolve the dispute.

During a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Okafor criticized the non-compliance with the court’s order, noting that the flawed implementation led to Julius Abure’s emergence as national chair. Okafor, who served on the National Working Committee (NWC) alongside Salam, declared that he and his faction are now taking charge of the party, as they are deemed “beneficiaries” of the court’s judgment.

Okafor explained, “The rightful owner has reclaimed the house. To clarify, I am not contesting the Labour Party leadership with the NLC; I am addressing the process itself and overseeing the proper execution of a new convention.”

He emphasized that the 2014 convention is the appropriate platform for this process. Consequently, Okafor has assumed the role of Acting Chairman of the Labour Party. He outlined that, in accordance with the judgment, the members of the 2014 National Working Committee will organize an inclusive convention within six months. Their goal is to reconcile all aggrieved members and factions, thereby uniting the party and advancing its vision for Nigeria’s political future.

Okafor described his intervention as a crucial step in resolving the protracted legal struggle for the Labour Party’s leadership and direction.