Clash at Presidential Election Petition Court as LP Chairman and Supporters Confront Obi’s Faction

Factional LP Chairman Engages in Dramatic Clash with Obi’s Supporters: Yesterday at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), the ongoing leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) took center stage as the factional National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa, clashed with members loyal to LP’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. Apapa, entangled in a legal dispute with the LP national executives, attempted to take a seat near Obi but was blocked by party members. The court panel refused to acknowledge Apapa’s presence due to the party’s leadership crisis.

Chaos Erupts Outside the Courtroom: Outside the court premises, a horde of LP supporters awaited Apapa, ready for confrontation. As Apapa emerged from the court, they attacked him, hurling unprintable names and even snatching his cap. Security personnel swiftly intervened, ensuring his safe escape from the scene.

Obi Accuses INEC of Frustrating his Petition: During the proceedings, Mr. Peter Obi and his legal team accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately obstructing his petition challenging the outcome of the 2023 presidential election. Obi’s lawyers claimed that INEC had failed to provide them with crucial documents, including the results from Rivers State. They expressed their intention to apply for a subpoena against INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. INEC’s legal team, however, refuted the allegations, stating that proper protocols and payments were required for document access and certification.