Labour Party Suspends Lagos Chair, Ekong Over Alleged Gross Misconduct
The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State is currently embroiled in a significant leadership crisis following the suspension of its state chairperson, Pastor Dayo Ekong, over allegations of gross misconduct. This development has intensified existing factional tensions within the party, highlighting the deepening divisions that have plagued the LP since the 2023 general elections.
The suspension was announced by the faction of the party led by Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, who has been at odds with the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). The Apapa faction cited various infractions, including alleged anti-party activities and insubordination, as reasons for Ekong’s suspension. This move also extended to other principal officers within the Lagos State chapter, effectively dissolving the existing executive committee.
In response, the Lagos State chapter, loyal to Julius Abure, dismissed the suspension as illegitimate and baseless. Mrs. Olubunmi Odesanya, the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the LP, described the action as a “huge joke and comedy,” asserting that the Apapa-led faction lacks the constitutional authority to suspend duly elected state executives. She emphasized that the Lagos chapter remains steadfast in its support for the Abure-led NWC, which they recognize as the authentic leadership of the party.
This internal conflict is not isolated to Lagos State. The LP has been grappling with nationwide leadership disputes, particularly between the factions led by Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa. These disputes have led to parallel structures and conflicting directives within the party, causing confusion among members and supporters.
The crisis in Lagos has been further complicated by the emergence of another faction led by Omoba Adesoyin Olumide, who claims that the tenure of the Ekong-led executive has expired. Olumide’s faction, reportedly backed by the Apapa-led NWC, has established its own executive committee, deepening the schism within the state’s party structure.
Efforts to reconcile the warring factions have been ongoing. The Abure-led NWC has initiated peace and reconciliation committees aimed at resolving the disputes and unifying the party. However, these efforts have so far yielded limited success, with each faction maintaining its stance and legitimacy claims.
The leadership tussle has had tangible effects on the party’s operations and public image. Members and supporters have expressed concerns over the party’s ability to present a united front in future elections, particularly in Lagos State, where the LP made significant inroads during the 2023 general elections.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing crisis could undermine the LP’s credibility and electoral prospects if not promptly and effectively addressed. They advocate for an inclusive dialogue involving all factions to establish a unified leadership and restore confidence among party members and the electorate.
As the situation unfolds, the LP’s national leadership faces the critical task of navigating these internal conflicts to preserve the party’s integrity and position as a formidable political force in Nigeria. The resolution of the Lagos State leadership crisis will likely serve as a litmus test for the party’s capacity to manage internal dissent and maintain cohesion in the face of challenges.