A minor conflict erupted at the presidential election petition court on Wednesday as factional leaders clashed over seating arrangements.
Upon his arrival at the courtroom, Lamidi Apapa, the factional national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), confronted Akin Osuntokun, the director-general of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign council. PUNCH reported.
The dispute began when the courtroom opened at around 8:05 am for the day’s proceedings. Osuntokun and other prominent party members were already seated in the plaintiffs’ gallery when Apapa and his colleagues approached them, demanding that they give up their seats.
Apapa argued that, as the rightful head of the Labour Party, he deserved a place in the plaintiffs’ gallery. However, Osuntokun refused to yield, asserting that Apapa had no authority to claim the seat.
The tension escalated until Josephine Ekperobe, the secretary of the presidential election petition court, intervened and defused the situation in the courtroom.
The drama continued when the case was called, and Peter Obi announced his appearance on his own behalf. Dudu Manuga, the national woman leader of the party, also announced her appearance, but Apapa swiftly opposed her.
Amidst the mounting tension, the five-member panel of justices, led by Haruna Tsammani, declined to acknowledge any representation for the party.
Julius Abure, the suspended national chairman of LP, was also present in court during these events.
