Lamidi Apapa, the factional leader of the Labour Party, has set a 48-hour deadline for the legal counsels representing the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to update him on the ongoing election petitions tribunal.

This ultimatum follows a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared Apapa as the acting national chairman of the party.

In his ruling, Justice Hamza Muazu confirmed his intention to proceed with hearing the substantive matter and adjourned the case for further deliberation on May 19.

ALSO READ: Labour Party warns state chairmen against joining Lamidi-led faction or lose their seats

Expressing his delight in a viral video shared on Twitter, Apapa asserted his authority as the acting national chairman, declaring that anyone else assuming the position is doing so illegally.

Apapa called upon the lawyers representing the Labour Party at the election tribunal to provide him with updates, emphasizing his position as the one in charge.

However, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, cautioned against interpreting the ruling as a substantive judgment.

He stated that they would appeal the ruling, asserting that Julius Abure remains the national chairman of the party until a final decision is reached.

In response to the ruling, Abure expressed his intention to appeal before the end of the day.

He voiced his readiness to pursue justice in the Court of Appeal, accusing Apapa and the factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, of causing turmoil within the party.

ALSO READ: Abia lawmaker of Labour Party endorses Abass for house of representatives speaker

Abure highlighted the influence of external forces and questioned the credibility of those opposing him, alleging that they had been paid to disrupt the tribunal cases.

He assured party members that he remains the national chairman and pledged to defend their cases in court.