Sam Okpala, the Lagos State Secretary of the Labour Party aligned with the Julius Abure faction, stated that ongoing internal leadership conflicts are hindering the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Okpala noted that his group is currently holding off on political maneuvers until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling.
While both the High Court and Court of Appeal have previously named Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s national chairperson, the Abure camp has appealed these decisions to the Supreme Court. Okpala emphasized that his faction continues to meet regularly and maintains its organizational structure while awaiting the judiciary’s conclusion. He urged party members to stay patient and committed.
Regarding the potential for members to defect if the legal battle continues, Okpala maintained that it is premature to consider other parties. He reiterated his loyalty to the current Abure-led leadership and stated that future decisions depend entirely on the upcoming court judgment. Although he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, Okpala expressed optimism that the party will eventually resolve its internal friction.
