Peter Obi, Lamidi Apapa attend proceeding as tribunal resumes

249

Following his attempt on Wednesday, the interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa, has maintained his promise about returning to the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was also there as the tribunal resumed on Friday, exchanging pleasantries with counsel for the respondents.

Apapa, on Thursday, maintained he would return to the tribunal in Abuja.

“Maybe by the next one, I will be recognised,” he stated, adding that he tried to attend the proceeding on Wednesday to assert his authority as the party’s acting national chairman.

According to sources, Apapa was spotted seated at the back of the courtroom as opposed to the area reserved for Labour Party representatives.

This comes after his brief appearance at the tribunal two days ago, where he attempted to occupy one of the seats reserved for LP leaders.

He was however resisted by some party members, resulting in a shouting match.

The tribunal refused to take an appearance for the LP as the two camps presented representatives.

Justice Haruna Tsamani noted that if two persons are making an appearance for the party, they will not be put on record.

The tribunal adjourned the matter till today for continuation of pre-hearing.

While being whisked out of the courtroom, Apapa was inundated with boos and jeers as members of the party in the camp of the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, taunted him.