Tensions continue to rise within the Labour Party (LP) as opposition mounts against Callistus Okafor, who recently declared himself the factional National Chairman of the party. Okafor’s claim stems from a 2018 consent judgment, which he argues makes him the rightful leader, but the party’s leadership and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have swiftly dismissed his stance.
In separate interviews, the LP’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, and the Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, rejected Okafor’s leadership claim. Farouk accused Okafor of exploiting the internal crisis within the party, which has seen a split between the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and a 29-member caretaker committee, allegedly supported by Abia State Governor Alex Otti.
Farouk emphasized that the true leadership of the party will be determined by the courts, but for now, Okafor’s assertions hold no weight. Prof. Ndubuaku echoed these sentiments, stating that despite multiple factions, the key players—such as LP presidential candidate Peter Obi and Governor Otti—remain loyal to the Abure-led group.
The NLC also expressed confidence that the court would eventually settle the dispute, but for now, Okafor’s leadership claim is seen as an opportunistic move within an already divided party.
