Labour Party Supporters Mob Factional Chairman In Court

Factional National Chairman of Labour Party, Mr Lamidi Apapa, was on Wednesday disgraced by party supporters who alleged his loyalty to the party had been compromised.
The drama began at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja when he attempted to sit on the seat saved for the party chairman, a move objected by members loyal to ousted chairman Julius Abure, leading to a mild commotion in the courtroom before the arrival of the five-member panel.
The Court, however, refused to acknowledge Mr Apapa’s presence or even that of Dudu Manuga, national women leader, who stood in for the Abure faction, over the party’s internal power tussle.
The Court said their presence will not be put on record because both factions could not be recognised to make appearance for the party.
After the court adjourned the matter to Friday, May 19, Mr Apapa wanted to address the press but the party supporters loyal to Mr Abure swiftly besieged him and stopped him from doing so.
Amidst jeers and shoves, they argued that Mr Apapa was not a representative of their party and hence would not be allowed to speak on its affairs to journalists.
The bronze-coloured traditional cap Mr Apapa adorned, was removed by the irate mob who chanted “Ole” – Yoruba word for thief.
The incident could have degenerated into fisticuffs but for the timely intervention of police officers who moved in to shield Mr Apapa from the angry mob.
Flanked on both sides by officers, the embattled Labour Party leader was taken back inside the court building and the entrance was quickly shut against outsiders including the press.