The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new turn as Callistus Okafor, a former Deputy National Chairman, has laid claim to the National Chairmanship position.
Mr. Okafor has announced his decision to “take over” the party, citing a 2018 consent judgment from the Federal High Court.
The politician made the declaration at a press conference in Abuja on Friday.
Okafor explained that the court ruling, delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, resolved a leadership dispute between the late National Chairman, Abdulkadir Salam, and a rival faction led by Salisu Mohammed. The judgment declared that the separate national conventions held by both parties were “inclusive.”
Okafor argued that this ruling was ignored, allowing Julius Abure to inherit and build upon a flawed structure to become National Chairman.
As a member of the 2018 National Working Committee, Okafor claimed that he and others are beneficiaries of the court judgment.
He announced plans to hold an all-inclusive convention within six months to reconcile aggrieved members and unite the party.
He stated, “The owner of the house has taken the house. When I say owner, I am not contesting Labour Party leadership with the NLC, no.”
“I’m referring to the process—the midwifing of this process (fresh convention).
“The 2014 convention is the right avenue to guide this. For that reason, Callistus Okafor is now the acting chairman of the Labour Party.
“In light of these developments, members of the 2014 National Working Committee who are beneficiaries of the consent judgment have agreed to facilitate an all-inclusive and expansive convention in compliance with the consent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice G.O. Kolawole. Furthermore, they agree to embark on a purposeful reconciliation of all aggrieved members and groups within six months to achieve a united, focused Labour Party that will redefine political leadership in Nigeria’s quest for a better nation.”